Bodenseereiter

The Bodenseereiter is a stone sculpture and fountain by Peter Lenk in Überlingen, Germany. Martin Walser rides a horse wearing ice skates.

Lenk links Walser’s figure to the tale of a postman who crossed frozen Lake Constance without realising it. Gustav Schwab turned that tale into a ballad.

The fountain brings history, literature and satire together through water, mermaids and figures representing local bank directors. Two mermaids support the rider and horse on fish tails.

Walser sits stiffly, while the horse appears reluctant, giving the scene a deliberately uneasy comic character. The ice skates replace the rider’s usual boots.

Lenk’s satire points towards debates surrounding Walser’s writing and German history. The finished work caused controversy in Überlingen.

The basin also contains satirical figures associated with the banks that withdrew their financial support. Wheelchair access forms part of the spot’s recorded properties.

The sculpture connects a real crossing, a literary ballad and Walser’s local presence within one public fountain. The recorded artwork combines stone, water, myth and local satire.