Animals Are Only Humans Too. Sculptures by August Gaul

The Liebieghaus is dedicating a major exhibition to the renowned sculptor August Gaul (1869–1921), showcasing his multifaceted oeuvre. Gaul is regarded as one of Germany’s first modern sculptors. Around 1900, he opened a new chapter in the history of sculpture with his strikingly realistic depictions of animals, deliberately distancing himself from the decorative tendencies of nineteenth-century sculpture. His works range from finely crafted statuettes to monumental sculptures in public spaces. Rather than depicting animals as symbols of power or domination, Gaul presents them as autonomous beings, shaped by his careful observation of nature and a clear, reduced formal language. Like many sculptors of his time, Gaul was interested in reality. His works captivate through their presence alone, without the need for symbolism.