Set of sculptures “four continents”

Zoo Leipzig, founded in 1878, was further developed and refurbished over the period from 1920 to 1935, during which decorative recreational areas were created to link the various parts of its premises. Works of art were added as special design elements and placed in prominent locations. In addition to artistic depictions of animals, metaphorical topics were also taken up. The most well-known is the monumental sculpture "Jason". However, six sculptures by the artist Willi Münch-Khe, representing four continents, were also erected between 1933 and 1935. 

The origin of the set of four continents was not recorded. It is assumed however that Münch-Khe (1885-1960) made the sculptures especially for Zoo Leipzig. The sculptures of the boy on a fish and the boy on a snail standing here today in the entrance of the ark are dated 1931 and there is evidence that they were set up in 1933 at the ornamental pond back then. They are made of clay and colour glazed.  The artistic idea and design must have been pleasing, because two identical sculptures, boy on a fish and boy on a snail were created in 1934 in a different technical, more durable version, but in identical form. Two other sculptures, boy on a toad and boy on a tortoise, were created in the same way.

The set of four was erected in 1935 on Schmuckplatz between the Carnivore House and the aquarium at the four corners of the water basin. In 1974, the other two sculptures were set up in front of the animal kindergarten. The six sculptures were on display there until 2018 and were a popular photo motif. They were then dismantled for renovation work and extensively restored. The two older sculptures are now located here, while the four others can be found in the rose garden near the Himalayas enclosure. The works of art represent Africa, Asia, Europe and America. 

Such personification of the continents goes back to a long tradition and is characterised by an often-stereotypical perspective on non-European cultures and their supposed attributes, which can be viewed critically today. On this topic Willi Münch-Khe came up with a very unique interpretation. Children ride on animals, making music at the same time. The musical instruments (saxophone, accordion, horn and conch shell) do not symbolise these continents, nor are the animals their typical representatives. Instead, they seem to be adapted to the original locations in the zoo, with its wet and humid environment, where toad, turtle, snail and fish feel at home. With this concept, the artist did not stick to any traditional trends, but followed his own individual idea with originality and atmosphere.