Greetings Steemians
In today's post I would like to bring one of the many publicly accessible artworks in Basel to your screens, called Helvetia auf Reisen (Helvetia on the road).
Helvetia is a female figure and allegory who symbolizes the Swiss Confederation. Since the foundation of the Swiss federal state, she has been stamped on the Swiss franc coins in her typical appearance with spear and shield:
Helvetia minted on the Swiss 1-franc coin
The Bale artist Bettina Eichin had the idea of freeing Helvetia from her permanent solidification and created the sculpture Helvetia auf Reisen.
Now she sits on the Mittlere Brücke in Basel, having put aside spear, shield and suitcase. She seems tired from her journey and looks down the Rhine, deep in thoughts. A complex counter proposal to the glorified yet impersonal national icon.
No matter where one stands, it's impossible to catch a glimpse on Helvetia's face. This creates a special fascination since here actual mood is left to the observers imagination.
Thanks for watching and 'til next time!
Shaka
Swiss Franc Coin Isolated on White, taken from my personal Adobe stock account. All other photos were recorded by myself with an iPhone 6S.