Discover history: Schilling's figures - Four times of day
1860 - 71
created by Prof Johannes Schilling (1828-1910), one of the most important sculptors of his time,
1861
Commissioned to decorate the staircase to Brühl's Terrace in Dresden, last group of figures erected in 1871, placed on two levels one behind the other
Material: Postelwitz sandstone
1869
received 1st prize at the Vienna Art Exhibition
1905-08
Group of figures cast in bronze and erected in Dresden
1907 - 08
The sandstone group of figures is handed over to the city of Chemnitz, as the material was severely affected by environmental influences (Elbe climate)
1909
Erected on Königsplatz, now Theatre Square, integrated into a fountain in the same arrangement as in Dresden
1928
Dismantled due to the construction of the Chemnitzer Hof hotel and put into storage
1936
Installation in the extended palace pond grounds; design of the grounds under the direction of city planning officer Fred Otto
2011
Restoration of the group of figures
Description of the
The morning, with the awakening and the morning dew
A splendid female figure, the morning star shines in her hair;
airs her sleepy robe and breathes a sigh of relief in the knowledge that the day's work is about to begin;
two lovely girls with morning potion and sandals fastening them
Noon, with labour and striving
Noble male figure, head adorned with a crown of rays;
triumphantly holds up the wreath of glory bestowed on him at the height of life;
a youth reaches out his hand longingly for it;
beside him a boy with a spade
The evening, with music and dancing
A vigorous male figure with a glass of wine, indulging in pleasure after the day's work is done;
drinks wine (Bacchus' gift) and listens to the girls' play
The night, with sleep and dream
Noble female figure with a crescent moon as a diadem in her hair;
spreads her robe protectively around the sleeping boy;
Morpheus whispers sweet dreams to the sleeping boy