Stauferfries, Stainless steel sculpture in Ledergasse, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany

The Stauferfries is a 60-metre picture cut from stainless steel on the south facade of the Remsgalerie in Ledergasse. About ninety over-life-size figures, with flags and other elements, were laser-cut from steel plates and mounted a short distance in front of a brick wall. Konradin rides left to right with his retinue, while the dignitaries of Gmünd come from the right to meet him.

The frieze recalls Konradin's visit to Schwäbisch Gmünd, documented by a charter he issued "aput Gamundiam" on 28 December 1266. The medievalist Hubert Herkommer advised on accuracy, yet the steel cut is no realistic record: the presence of Konradin's friend Frederick of Baden, riding directly behind him, is not attested in the sources and reflects artistic licence. The work was begun in July 2022, completed on 3 May 2024 and handed to the city on 15 June 2024.

The procession follows the structure of a medieval royal entry: Konradin rides in from the left with musicians, his friend Frederick of Baden, noblewomen and men, knights and standard-bearers, while the city's notables come from the right to pay homage. The Schultheiss waits to hand over the keys, followed by guild representatives, clergy and a group of dancing women. Three banners before Konradin recall his titles as King of Jerusalem, King of Sicily and Duke of Swabia, and the wheel of the Seven Liberal Arts at the right end refers to his education.

The frieze runs along the south facade of the Remsgalerie on Ledergasse, mounted a short distance in front of the brick wall. By day the steel figures appear bright against the dark masonry; after dark, LEDs glued behind the panels light the gaps, reversing the silhouette so the steel reads dark. The full 60 metres were completed on 3 May 2024.

The frieze was financed entirely by donations, mostly sponsorships of individual figures; when assembly began in July 2022, 23 of 100 sponsorships were still missing. The first 35 metres were handed to the city on 26 August 2022, and the last steel panels were mounted on 3 May 2024.