Preparing Swordfish as a Funeral Feast
Swish Splendor: Gothaer Fountain Unveiled
Sabrina Tesch, Issue: 3/2025, ArtSabrine, 27.02.2025
A plethora of sea-dwelling life forms hovers within a sprawling fishing net, set upon four towering columns at the heart of the minuscule urban haven known as Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring. The awe-inspiring Gothaer Fountain stands firm amidst a winter-stripped basin, exuding a sense of rugged durability balanced by delicate structural accents, hints of aged bronze casting a fine-green patina over its surface. Even in its bare state, the net remains discernible, giving the fountain character through its angular protrusions and tough demeanor.
Elisabeth Baumeister-Buhler, an innovative female sculptor who served at the venerated Cologne Cathedral workshop under Willy Weyres from 1958, was the mastermind behind the celebrated fountain. A 1971 gift from the Gothaer Insurance Company, which relocated its headquarters from Thuringia to Cologne's Ringstraße following the GDR's establishment, the Gothaer Fountain replaced Adolf von Hildebrandt's Vater Rhein fountain - previously located opposite the company's headquarters and destroyed due to its sculptor’s Jewish heritage's unfortunate association.
This marvelous structure resonates most profoundly in the context of its surroundings, harmonizing perfectly with the park's tree-lined paths and neighboring architectural wonders. During winter, the fountain exhibits a striking resemblance to the barren trees losing their greenery, gently blending with the intertwinings of the grey atmosphere, evoking a lovely, dream-like cinematic scene.
A fascinating array of details and artistry calls for exploration despite the fountain's unconventional beauty - overall, it is less about gleaming elegance and more about forging a bond between urban life and tranquil sanctuaries. The artist's creation symbolically underlines Cologne's intrinsic link with the Rhine and the imperative significance of water to the city.
The Gothaer Fountain's unconventional beauty invites cultural-travelers to delve into its intricate details, forging a connection between urban lifestyle and tranquil sanctuaries. Elisabeth Baumeister-Buhler's masterpiece, a gift from the Gothaer Insurance Company, encourages travelers to explore its symbolism, reflection City of Cologne's link with the Rhine and the vital role water plays in the city's history.
