Ring der Statuen

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Ring der Statuen (Circle of Statues) by Georg Kolbe, 1954
Rothschildpark, Reuterweg
Frankfurt, September 2024

“There is another work by Georg Kolbe in Rothschild Park: the Ring of Statues. Seven larger-than-life bronze sculptures and 14 basalt columns form a circle, in the middle of which there is an echo effect. The figures are assigned ‘roles’: young woman, guardian, chosen one, amazon, descending, standing youth and musing. Despite this characterization, the figures correspond to the same body ideal, which combines an antiqued formal language with harmony and symmetry. Overall, the young men and women convey the impression of melancholy and sadness in their reserve and thoughtfulness. Although it was created during the Nazi era, it is questionable whether the group of figures would have been liked by the regime. Not expressive enough, too vulnerable, too passive and too thoughtful? Georg Kolbe's work in Frankfurt spans his early as well as his late work. In private letters he criticized the National Socialist regime, but as an artist he accepted public commissions.” (Ring der Statuen, Kunst im öffentlichen Raum Frankfurt)