Reblaus Sculpture

What mischievous glint captured the sculptor’s eye, leading to the birth of the Reblaus Sculpture? Here, in Dresden, stands this playful bronze creation by Mia Stolle, completed in 2010. The Reblaus Sculpture isn’t just a statue; it’s a whimsical tribute to a tiny creature with a monumental impact on viticulture. Reblaus, the German word for phylloxera, refers to the grapevine pest that devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century. The Reblaus Sculpture, with its exaggerated features and playful pose, reminds us of this turbulent period. It’s a nod to the resilience of the wine industry, which overcame the phylloxera crisis through grafting European vines onto American rootstock. While the Skulpturensammlung, housed in the Albertinum, boasts masterpieces spanning millennia, the Reblaus Sculpture offers a unique, contemporary perspective. It’s a playful juxtaposition against the backdrop of Dresden’s rich artistic heritage, a city once known as “Florence on the Elbe”. Imagine the conversations whispered between the stoic figures of Rodin and the mischievous Reblaus, a tiny bronze sprite frozen mid-prank. The Reblaus Sculpture, a seemingly simple artwork, encapsulates a complex narrative. It speaks of devastation and rebirth, a silent testament to human ingenuity in the face of adversity. Here, at the Reblaus Sculpture, we’re invited to reflect on the delicate balance between nature and human intervention, a theme as relevant today as it was during the phylloxera crisis. It is a playful yet poignant addition to Dresden’s artistic landscape.