Helvetia auf Reisen
Popular landmark in Basel
Helvetia auf Reisen Basel
Address
Unterer Rheinweg, 4058 Basel
GPS
47.5645238, 7.5876472
The sculpture Helvetia auf Reisen (“Helvetia Travels”) has been sitting on the bridge pillar on the lower Rhine path for around 40 years and looks wearily at the Rhine. The creator of the sculpture is Bettina Eichin. Born in Bern, she has had a studio directly on the other side of the Rhine for a number of years, with a view of the Helvetia sculpture.
The artist entered a competition in 1978 with her concept for a sculpture at the Rhine‘s primary bridge’s base.
The artist’s motivation for participating was altruistic, not competitive. The sculpture’s concept is that Helvetia, who lives on the 2-Fränkler, takes a break from her routine to rest and reflect on life while perched on the plinth.
Helvetia strength, weary and reflective. Her bag, spear, and shield are behind her, and her cloak is lying next to her. Many people find the depiction offensive since it portrays women in an unrealistic way. “The statue represents two characteristics of women that are often overlooked. exhaustion and deep reflection. Having it clear was crucial to me. Helvetia surveys its borders and the world beyond from its perch high above the Rhine.”
Relax and take a step back from your routine so that you can see what’s going on in the world. For many, this representation of a woman captures the spirit of the age and has come to stand for all women everywhere. Towels and posters were draped over her in 2019 for the women’s strike.
