Amidst the urban landscape, a touch of rural charm persists. This is the Schäfer mit Hund und Schafen Sculpture. It’s a bronze genre group created by Werner Richter in 1980. The Schäfer mit Hund und Schafen Sculpture stands proudly on a low sandstone pedestal. It’s nestled within a green space, contrasting with the Plattenbau style apartment building behind it.
The Schäfer mit Hund und Schafen Sculpture isn’t a single piece. It’s actually four separate bronze castings. The figures have a slightly abstract yet realistic style. The shepherd stands tall at the center. He’s 2.20 meters high. He wears a hat, boots, and a cloak with realistically depicted folds. He cradles a lamb protectively against his chest with his right arm. His left arm leans on a large staff.
At the shepherd’s right sits a sheepdog. Its front paws are spread wide. Its long limbs appear slightly disproportionate to its body. The dog stands 90 centimeters tall. To the shepherd’s left, two sheep with curly wool stand calmly. The front sheep stretches its head forward. It measures 75 centimeters high and 1.25 meters long. The slightly smaller sheep behind it stands 90 centimeters high and long with its head raised.
The Schäfer mit Hund und Schafen Sculpture has a dark, greenish-gray bronze surface. The animals’ fur is textured and shows a light patina. The sandstone base has some minor chipping. Some biogenic growth clings to its sides. The sculpture shows signs of wear from rubbing and graffiti. The animals’ ears and backs, the dog’s paws, and the shepherd’s boot tips are polished to a sheen. Graffiti tags mar the shepherd’s front and back. The dog’s face has been painted. A star is drawn beneath the shepherd’s left eye. A partially peeled white sticker adheres to the face of the rear sheep. Despite these marks, the Schäfer mit Hund und Schafen Sculpture remains in good condition. It offers a rustic contrast to the surrounding Plattenbau buildings. It harmonizes with the greenery of the surrounding area.