Hölderlin im Kreisverkehr, Public sculpture in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany.
Hölderlin im Kreisverkehr is a metal and stone artwork that forms a large tilted letter shape containing multiple figures. The composition shows the poet Friedrich Hölderlin at different life stages and incorporates literary and historical figures connected to his world.
The artwork was created in 2003 by Peter Lenk and stands near the Klosterhof, where Hölderlin spent his early childhood. The location of the sculpture creates a direct link between the work and the poet's biographical sites in the town.
The figures in the roundabout show a relationship to Hölderlin's life and literary world. Goethe and Schiller appear together, while other literary and historical figures represent the intellectual sphere that shaped the poet.
The sculpture stands in a traffic circle and is best viewed from the designated viewing areas around its perimeter. It is helpful to spend time observing the various figures and details from different angles to fully appreciate the work.
A surprising figure in the composition is Nietzsche riding an antique bicycle, creating a humorous contrast to the other serious portrayals. Duke Carl Eugen stands proudly on a Württemberg stag and gazes down at the young poet.
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