2907 - Walter Hilpert (b. 1946, Thuringia)

Walter Hilpert (b. 1946, Thuringia) Equestrian statue of Count Anton Günther of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst on his apple-gray horse Kranich Bronze, with a green-brown patina. Rectangular pedestal. A fully three-dimensional, slightly larger-than-life equestrian sculpture depicting a trotting horse and a rider in 17th-century attire, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a long coat, and flared boot cuffs. In his right hand, he holds a raised riding crop; at his hip, a sword that is not drawn. Also included are posts for hanging a surrounding chain barrier. Total height approx. 270 cm. Count Anton Günther of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst (1583–1667), the last count of the Oldenburg regional dynasty, is known for having succeeded in maintaining such a neutral and diplomatic stance toward the warring powers during the Thirty Years’ War that his land was largely spared the turmoil of the conflict. According to legend, he achieved this in part by giving away valuable horses. The statue, designed by Walter Hilpert in 2011, appears anachronistic in its design and subject matter, but reflects the positive view many Oldenburgers hold of their historic ruler, after whom, among other things, a street and a school were named. A slightly larger-than-life-size dark brown and green patinated bronze statue of Count Anton Günther of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst on his dapple-gray horse “Kranich.” Also includes pillars for hanging a chain.