Ever watched a wild boar scratch its side? Here at the Wildsau in Freiberg, you can almost see it happen. This bronze sculpture captures that very moment. It is lifelike. The Wildsau is more than just a statue. It embodies Freiberg’s artistic spirit.
The artist behind the Wildsau is Gottfried Kohl. He was a Freiberg native born in 1921. Kohl passed away in 2012. His legacy lives on through his sculptures.
Kohl created two versions of this wild boar. One is smaller. It is housed in the Neue Sächsische Galerie Chemnitz. The larger version stands here in Freiberg’s Johannispark. This Wildsau statue is a replica. It captures the essence of the original. Kohl likely created the original Wildsau around 1981. A plaster model exists in his estate.
The Wildsau shows a boar sitting. It is captured in a moment of simple self-care. The boar scratches its side with its right hind leg. The sculpture measures 26 x 18 x 31 cm. It invites you to observe nature. It also reflects on everyday life.
Kohl’s work extends beyond the Wildsau. The Museum Freiberg has a collection of his pieces. This collection includes a gips wild boar with raised bristles. The museum acquired these works in 2020. They came from Kohl’s estate. Anke Fröhlich-Schauseil created a catalog of Kohl’s sculptures. The Sächsische Landesstelle für Museumswesen oversaw this project.
Freiberg itself has a rich history. Silver discovery led to the town’s founding around 1168. For centuries, Freiberg was a mining center in the Ore Mountains. The Freiberg University of Mining and Technology was established in 1765. It is the world’s oldest mining and metallurgy university.
The Wildsau in Johannispark reminds us of Freiberg’s blend of art and nature. It is a reminder of Gottfried Kohl’s talent. It is a testament to the town’s cultural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate this wild boar. Consider the artistry and history it represents. The Wildsau is a unique treasure in Freiberg.