Though I don’t believe in fabulous creatures, I always love to see depictions of them. I found this pair of griffins guarding a bollard in front of a building on the historicizing Wiener Ringstraße (Vienna Ring Road).
Category: Sculptures
Domitian Statue in Millstatt
While walking around Lake Millstatt in the Austrian state of Carinthia, this sculpture of a vigorous man caught my attention. It represented Prince Domitian of Carantania, who became famous for throwing 1,000 pagan statues into the lake.
‘Gherkins’ by Erwin Wurm
Salzburg is a very traditional city. Nevertheless, you see a lot of contemporary art in the streets. E.g. the “Gurken” (Gherkins) created by the Austrian artist Erwin Wurm. I like this piece of public art as the pickles seem to have some personality.
Sun Worshiper in Dresden
This bronze sculpture titled Sonnenanbeter (Sun Worshiper) stands on the terrace of Schloss Eckberg (Eckberg Mansion) in Dresden. From there, guests have a fine view of the Elbe Valley. The creator of this artwork was Sascha Schneider. [German]
Pilatushaus in Nuremberg
The house sign of the Pilatushaus in Nuremberg shows Saint George fighting the dragon. The motif fits well. The owner of this home was a Plattner (amorer), and George was the Saint of his craft guild.
Hofmarstallschwemme in Salzburg
This water basin for washing horses (Pferdeschwemme) stands next to Sigmund’s Gate (Sigmundstor). The basin, generally known as Hofmarstallschwemme, was designed and built in 1693 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.
Hundefräulein at Schallaburg Castle
If you look at the sculptures decorating the courtyard of Schallaburg Castle (Schloss Schallaburg), you may discover the “Hundefräulein” (Dog Lady). This is the bust of a lady whose head looks like the head of a dog.
Donkey Fountain in Halle (Saale)
The Donkey Fountain (Eselsbrunnen) on the Old Market (Alter Markt) in Halle (Saale) dates back to 1913. Its motiv – a man with a donkey walks over a rug of roses – refers to an old but fun legend. [German]
“The Little Sandman” in Erfurt
“Please take a seat but be careful, don’t fall asleep!” This sculpture in Erfurt, named Little Sandman (Sandmännchen), refers to a German children’s bedtime television programme using stop motion animation.
Saxon Steed in Hanover
The Saxon Steed (Sachsenross) has travelled a lot. You find it in many coats of arms and illustrations from different regions. While walking through Hanover, I finally saw a sculpture of this historic symbol. [German]
Sepulchral chapel in Karlsruhe
The Sepulchral Chapel (Großherzogliche Grabkapelle Karlsruhe) was commissioned by Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden and his wife, Luise of Prussia. Five of seven Grand Dukes of Baden found their last rest in this chapel.
‘Seven proud sisters kissed by one sea’ in Rostock
This sculpture in the city of Rostock named ‘Seven proud sisters are kissed by one sea’ (Sieben stolze Schwestern küsst das eine Meer) was created by Reinhardt Dietrich in 1985. It portrays the peaceful coexistence of the seven countries surrounding the Baltic Sea.