A colossal figure looms before us. It’s the Skulptur Honoré de Balzac, Auguste Rodin Statue. Here in Cologne’s Neumarkt, this bronze giant captures the spirit of the famed French writer. The Skulptur Honoré de Balzac arrived here in May 2022. It was initially meant to be a temporary installation. But now, it seems Balzac might be staying a while longer.
The Skulptur Honoré de Balzac is a copy of Rodin’s original. The original stands in Paris, on Boulevard Raspail. The Cologne version was a gift from Kunsthaus Lempertz. The idea was to enhance Neumarkt with art. The statue stands directly in front of the Kunsthaus Lempertz building. It’s a striking presence, over four meters tall and weighing eight tons.
Rodin created the original model of Balzac in 1891. It was met with criticism, deemed a grotesque depiction. Rodin, stung by the negative reception, took the plaster model to his home in Meudon. It remained there, largely forgotten, for decades. Only in 1939, 22 years after Rodin’s death, was the first bronze cast made. It was then finally installed in Paris.
The Skulptur Honoré de Balzac in Cologne has had its own share of location debates. Initially, the plan was to place it in the middle of Neumarkt. But this would have disrupted the space, interfering with events like Circus Roncalli performances. The statue’s current location, on the edge of the square, has also drawn criticism. Some say it’s too easily overlooked by passersby, minimizing its impact on the area.
Neumarkt itself is a complex space. It’s a central hub, well-connected by public transport. But it also struggles with heavy traffic and a visible drug scene. The hope is that art installations like the Skulptur Honoré de Balzac will contribute to the area’s revitalization. This effort is part of a larger master plan for Cologne’s city center. The plan aims to create a pedestrian zone, connecting the north side of Neumarkt with Apostelnstraße. Until then, Balzac stands watch, a silent observer of the bustling square. Balzac, known for his patience, seems to embody the sentiment, “It takes as long as it takes.” In 2024, a decision was made that the Skulptur Honoré de Balzac could remain in its present location for a maximum of two more years. Its future beyond that remains uncertain.