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 adorn the staircase leading to the Brühl Terrace in Dresden; the final group of figures was erected in 1871, arranged on two successive levels
Material: Postelwitz sandstone
1869
Awarded first prize at the Vienna Art Exhibition
1905–08
Group of figures cast in bronze and installed in Dresden
1907–08
The sandstone group of figures was transferred to the city of Chemnitz, as the material had been severely damaged by environmental factors (the Elbe climate)
1909
Installed on Königsplatz (now Theaterplatz), incorporated into a fountain complex in the same arrangement as in Dresden
1928
Dismantled due to the construction of the Chemnitzer Hof Hotel and placed in storage
1936
Installed in the extended Schloßteich grounds; the layout of the site was designed under the direction of City Planning Officer Fred Otto
2011
Restoration of the group of figures
2017
Comprehensive restoration and application of a light-coloured protective silicone coating
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