Stephan Balkenhol - Man with Child (2021)

Stephan Balkenhol – “Man with Child” – A sculpture between responsibility and closeness

With his sculpture "Man with Child," Stephan Balkenhol addresses a deeply human theme: the relationship between generations. The figure depicts a man in an upright posture carrying a child – simple, unpretentious, yet full of symbolic power. Through the reduction of form, Balkenhol succeeds in visualizing the essence of care, responsibility, and connection.

The motif of "Man with Child" represents protection and closeness, but also the burden and dignity of responsibility. The bronze execution, crafted with precision and adorned with fine painting, underscores the vitality of the depiction. Despite their deliberately neutral features, the figures appear universally understandable and open to diverse interpretations – from familial security to questions about the social role of the father.

Balkenhol's works are represented in major museums, including the M-HKA in Antwerp, the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. His sculptures also shape public spaces in cities such as Hamburg, Leipzig, Hanover, Bayreuth, Rome, Paris, London and San Francisco.

"Man with Child" is more than a figurative representation—it is a contemporary symbol of human closeness, responsibility, and the power of the relationship between adult and child. With a clear formal language and perfect craftsmanship, Balkenhol succeeds in creating a sculpture that is both personally touching and universally resonant.

The most important features of the artwork

About Stephan Balkenhol

The German artist Stephan Balkenhol is considered an internationally recognized figure in contemporary art. He became known for his striking wooden sculptures with painted surfaces and his bronze figures, which possess an unmistakable recognizability. Balkenhol combines traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, creating works that maintain a strong presence both in public spaces and in private collections.

His works are exhibited in renowned museums, including the M-HKA – Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp, the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. At the same time, his sculptures shape cityscapes in Hamburg, Leipzig, Hanover and Bayreuth as well as internationally in Rome, Paris, London, San Francisco and Salzburg – even historic places such as the Roman Forum in Rome house his works.

Balkenhol's sculptures combine realistic human representation with subtle conceptual and symbolic elements, allowing each figure to tell its own story. Due to high demand on the art market, his works regularly achieve top prices and enjoy great popularity among collectors, museums, and galleries.

At Masterpicks, we offer three works by Stephan Balkenhol individually or together—all immediately available to collectors and art enthusiasts.