Erect, unmoving, the long neck stretched. Before us stands the Rehkitz Sculpture. The Rehkitz is a bronze sculpture of a fawn. It captures a moment of alertness. The Rehkitz’s head is slightly turned. Its ears are perked. It seems to be sensing the world around it.
This sculpture, created by Werner Richter, dates back to 1966. Richter created several animal sculptures for East Berlin kindergartens. The Rehkitz was originally placed at a children’s nursery. New housing and schools were being built nearby. This meant more kindergartens were needed. The Rehkitz offered a touch of nature for the children.
Notice how the Rehkitz stands on a flat concrete base. This makes it accessible to children. The smooth bronze surface invites touch. Imagine children gathering around this sculpture decades ago. They might have wondered what the Rehkitz was listening to. They might have told it their secrets.
The Rehkitz is made of bronze with a bronze plinth. It is anchored to the concrete base. The sculpture depicts the fawn in a realistic style. The bare bronze surface is smoothly modeled.
There is another Rehkitz in Berlin. It is located in Treptow. This second Rehkitz is a recast from the same year. It shows how popular Richter’s work was.
The Rehkitz embodies gentleness and adaptability. Roe deer have been symbols of kindness for centuries. They also stand for a connection to the sacred.
Consider the Rehkitz’s role. It was not just a decoration. It was a symbol of nature. It was a gentle presence for children. It encourages imagination. It invites interaction. The Rehkitz is more than just a sculpture. It is a memory. It is a reminder of simpler times.