Rastatter Rätsel, sculpture and fountain in Rastatt, Germany
The Rastatter Rätsel is an artwork consisting of two fountains created by artist Jürgen Goertz at different locations in the city. The first fountain from 1980 shows two figures standing under an umbrella, while the second from 1984 displays the same figures without the umbrella and with visible heads.
The fountain was created in 1980 by artist Jürgen Goertz, with a second sculpture following in 1984 to resolve the riddle of the first. The second sculpture suffered damage in 2018 from a car accident during a police chase and was subsequently restored.
The fountain is called a riddle because the figures reveal different stories depending on how you view them. The second sculpture references Pablo Picasso with a woman holding a palette and brush, drawing art enthusiasts who enjoy discovering these layered meanings.
The first sculpture stands in front of the train station and is easy to reach, while the second is located at the Museum Gate at the end of the pedestrian area. Both locations are central and can be quickly visited during walks through the city.
When viewing the sculptures from behind, gear-like patterns and a distorted bull skull become visible, revealing additional layers of meaning. This rear perspective is often missed by visitors but shows Goertz's playful approach to multiple interpretations.
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