Resting before us, the Sitzstein mit Tiermotiven Sculpture invites us to explore its secrets. This nature stone sculpture was created by the sculptor Alfred Bernau. It consists of two parts and has a rectangular form. At its highest point, it measures 0.89 m. The Sitzstein mit Tiermotiven Sculpture is a high relief showing three lying animals forming a group.
The sculpture features an lizard, a ram, and a lion. These animals are crafted from a single block. They are arranged so their heads point in different directions. They face away from each other. On the main side, an lizard lies across the center. Its head is oriented to the right. Behind it on the left block, the lion is positioned away from the viewer. On the right block behind the lizard’s head rests the ram. Their bodies touch at the side axes and merge at these intersections. The arrangement is symmetrical.
You will notice that the surface of the Sitzstein mit Tiermotiven Sculpture is largely natural. The stone is bossed adding texture. The animal bodies are partly grooved which gives them their characteristic contours. The sculpture is designed to be viewed from all sides. You can walk around it to see all the animals. The view with the lizard in the foreground is often considered the main view. The lizard’s body extends over both stone blocks. Its head and body face the approaching viewer.
It seems the artist intended the animals not to be sleeping. Each animal rests its head on its front limbs. The hind legs are angled. They appear to rest on the stone from which they were created. The animals do not seem to be involved in any action. The animals are turned away from each other. But they touch along the axes of their backs. They merge at these points. Their expression is sleepy. Their eyes are open but without pupils. So they do not directly engage the viewer. Their position on the stone makes them appear passive.
Alfred Bernau created the Sitzstein mit Tiermotiven Sculpture sometime before 1989. This is supported by a photo from that time in the Akademie der Künste archive. It is believed the sculpture was made to beautify the residential area. This area developed in the 1970s.
Interestingly, the Sitzstein mit Tiermotiven Sculpture was documented on 26 February 1996. The record notes it was smeared and damaged in several places. The artist signed the sculpture with the initials AB on the left side. The Sitzstein mit Tiermotiven Sculpture invites you to sit and contemplate. It encourages a moment of rest and reflection. It is a unique blend of nature and art.