Stauferfries, Stainless steel sculpture in Ledergasse, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
The Stauferfries stretches along 60 meters of a brick wall at the Remsgalerie shopping center, with figures and scenes rendered in laser-cut stainless steel panels. It comprises 136 individual metal plates that combine to form a continuous composition.
The work depicts the arrival of King Konradin, the last Hohenstaufen ruler, in Schwäbisch Gmünd at Christmas in 1266, a documented historical event. This moment established the city as an important Staufer stronghold in the region.
The frieze connects three threads of local identity: Schwäbisch Gmünd as the first Staufer city, its metalworking tradition, and the region's shadow theater heritage. These elements come together in how the steel panels show figures and scenes that reflect what the city means to its people.
LED lights illuminate the work during evening hours, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow across the steel surface. The best viewing spot is directly in front of the frieze from Ledergasse, where details are clearly visible.
The artwork grew from converting a 15-meter brush drawing by Helmut Gruber-Ballehr into detailed steel segments using laser cutting. This process merged traditional hand drawing with modern production technology in an unusual way.
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