#52658 Germany

The sculpture presents a figure poised between earthly and celestial realms. The central subject is a male form, powerfully built and exhibiting considerable anatomical detail. He appears to be in motion, leaning forward with a sense of urgency or perhaps lament. A pair of large wings sprout from his back, rendered with meticulous attention to the individual feathers, suggesting an angelic or divine nature.
The figure holds an hourglass in one hand, its form meticulously carved and positioned at eye level, drawing immediate focus. In the other hand, he grasps a scythe – a traditional symbol of death and the passage of time. The combination of these objects – the hourglass measuring fleeting moments and the scythe signifying finality – creates a palpable tension between mortality and eternity.
The figure is situated atop a cloud-like base, which elevates him slightly above the viewer’s perspective. This placement reinforces his elevated status, further emphasizing the dichotomy between the earthly and the divine. The drapery that clings to parts of his body suggests both vulnerability and strength; it reveals musculature while simultaneously offering a degree of protection.
The overall impression is one of profound melancholy and contemplation. Here we see an exploration of themes such as mortality, times relentless march, and perhaps even regret or sorrow over the inevitable end. The artist’s skill lies in conveying complex emotions through posture, gesture, and symbolic objects, inviting viewers to ponder their own relationship with time and existence. The bronze material lends a sense of permanence and solemnity to the work, further amplifying its weighty themes.