Franz Kafka Statue – Walking Tour of Prague
Walking along the cobblestone streets of Prague, I stumbled upon a small square tucked away amidst the bustling city. As I turned the corner, a peculiar sight caught my eye, leaving me momentarily frozen in awe. There, standing unassumingly on a modest pedestal, was a statue of none other than Franz Kafka himself.
I had heard tales of this hidden gem, but stumbling upon it unexpectedly added an extra layer of enchantment. The bronze statue of Franz Kafka, in his signature coat and hat, stood with a contemplative expression, as if pondering the mysteries of the universe. It was a simple yet powerful tribute to one of the greatest literary minds of our time.
When I first set my foot in Prague I had no idea about this city except that it is capital of Czech Republic. I was devouring the sights of the city at a fast rate, new things, old structures, architectural splendors… a mix of old and new. We were on a self planned, self guided walking tour of Prague. After the visit to Old Jewish Cemetery we walked on…
Franz Kafka statue on shoulders
Franz Kafka on Shoulders
Looking at the peculiar statue there, I was stunned motionless. Look at the picture. A huge sized, headless, hand less man carrying another man on his shoulder. I had no idea what this meant. I love to travel for this one reason; you don’t know what you are going to stumble on in the next street.
The statue’s placement was as intriguing as the man it portrayed. Tucked away from the main tourist routes, it seemed like a secret whispered only to those who ventured off the beaten path. Surrounded by quaint buildings and the whispers of history, it was as if Prague had preserved a piece of Kafka’s spirit within its very core.
In the Footsteps of Kafka: Unearthing the Prague Statue of the Renowned Writer
I came back with just the pic of name inscribed there: Franz Kafka and lots of pictures. A museum dedicated to Franz Kafka is situated close by.
Franz Kafka (1883-1924), born in Prague and one of the greatest figures of 20th century world literature. The statue was installed there in 2004 almost 80 years after the death of this writer.
It is an unusual sculpture of a mini-Kafka riding on the shoulders of a giant empty suit statue. The sculpture is designed by sculptor Jaroslav Rona.
The sculptor of the statue Jaroslav Rona found inspiration for his work in Kafka’s early short story Description of a Struggle. The author explores a fantasy landscape from the shoulders of ‘an acquaintance’.
Discovering the Hidden: The Enigmatic Franz Kafka Statue in Prague
The ground under Franz Kafka statue has form resembling the legs of an insect, which recalls his short story “Die Verwandlung”. Reading this book may help understand that the man sitting on a faceless body represents the struggle with bureaucracy.
Do let me know if you have chanced on this book.
Franz Kafka Books
Franz Kafka’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of literature to challenge our perceptions, provoke introspection, and illuminate the darker corners of the human psyche. Kafka’s literary canvas captures the essence of the human experience, unraveling the complexities of identity, guilt, and the inherent absurdity of life itself. His prose resonates with a haunting sense of unease, inviting readers to peer into the depths of their own anxieties and confront the alienation that can pervade our existence.
In his renowned novel, The Trial, we witness a haunting tale of an unnamed man caught in a nightmarish web of accusations without ever knowing the crime he supposedly committed. The protagonist’s relentless pursuit for justice becomes an odyssey through a labyrinthine legal system, reflecting the Kafkaesque notion of an elusive truth that forever eludes our grasp.
In the book The Metamorphosis, Kafka’s genius shines brightest. In this surreal masterpiece, we are introduced to Gregor Samsa, who awakens one fateful morning to discover that he has undergone a bizarre and inexplicable transformation into a grotesque insect. As Gregor grapples with his newfound existence, the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, and the innate isolation of the human condition is explored with startling depth.
Franz Kafka Museum Prague
Exhibits in the museum include most of the first editions of Kafka’s works, his letters, diaries, photographs and more. They have done well to include specially designed audio-visuals and soundtracks.
Open timings: 10am to 4pm.
Tickets: 170CZK for adults, 120CZK for students.
Franz Kafka Letters
(This story of Kafka and the doll is factually accurate, embellished, or a complete fabrication is not yet clear.)
At 40, Franz Kafka, who never married and had no children, was walking through a park one day in Berlin when he met a girl who was crying because she had lost her favourite doll. She and Kafka searched for the doll unsuccessfully.
Kafka told her to meet him there the next day and they would come back to look for her. The next day, when they had not yet found the doll, Kafka gave the girl a letter “written” by the doll saying “please don’t cry. I took a trip to see the world. I will write to you about my adventures.” Thus began a story which continued until the end of Kafka’s life.
During their meetings, Kafka read the letters of the doll carefully written with adventures and conversations that the girl found adorable.
Finally, Kafka brought back the doll (he bought one) that had returned to Berlin. “It doesn’t look like my doll at all,” said the girl.
Kafka handed her another letter in which the doll wrote: “my travels have changed me.” The little girl hugged the new doll and brought the doll with her to her happy home.
A year later Kafka died. Many years later, the now-adult girl found a letter inside the doll. In the tiny letter signed by Kafka it was written:
Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way. Embrace change. It’s inevitable for growth. Together we can shift pain into wonder and love, but it is up to us to consciously and intentionally create that connection.
FAQ on Kafka, the Writer
What Kafka Book should I read first?
If you have not read any of his works, then read: The Metamorphosis, The Trial, The Castle and Letters to My Father; to begin to understand Kafka, in that order.
What was Franz Kafka suffering from?
Franz Kafka suffered from lung tuberculosis from 1917 until his death 1924. He was treated on lung tuberculosis in the sanatorium “Villa Tatra” from December 20, 1920 until August 27, 1921.
Is Kafka a must read?
Franz Kafka is widely regarded as one of the major authors of 20th-century literature. Anyone with interest in literature can explore his writing style and find it interesting too.
What is Kafkaesque style?
The term Kafkaesque has entered the English language to describe situations like those in his writing.
What is the Kafka paradox?
The Kafka paradox: art depends on truth, but truth, being indivisable, cannot know itself: to tell the truth is to lie. thus the writer is the truth, and yet when he speaks he lies.” ― Franz Kafka.
You may want to read these:
- Statue of Joan of Arc, Orleans
- Quirky Bronze Statues of Bratislava
- Statues of Famous Personalities in Budapest
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Kafka is one of my favourite writers. Nice to see this.
Interesting.. The statue appears to be unique in respect of the meaning conveyed.. Thanks for sharing!
Quite philosophical and intriguing.
The Metamorphosis, the English translation of his book. Can’t say it’s my favourite. The sculpture does capture Kafka’s ideas well 🙂
Wow! What a stunning statue. Loved reading the history behind this statue. Thanks for this wonderful post dear 🙂
Prague has quite a few abstract/contemporary statues isn’t it? I once saw (and read about) The Hanging Man and found it interesting. Franz Kafka is now added to me newly acquired art knowledge list 🙂 Great click too Indrani x
Something different on Kafka
This is so interesting!
Bookmarked…Such astrange statue simply intriguing. Thanks for sharing
Wow! So intriguing!! It’s a masterpiece. Thanks to you, I got to see something this unique! 😀
Very innovative sculpture! Lovely post.
Interesting Sculpture, It catches attention and makes you think on it for a while.
I was wondering how I missed your Prague trip and then saw the date. Have not red the book!
An interesting statue.
The sculpture is a great illustration of meaningful art! Loved it..
Thank you Indrani for making us appreciate this tribute to Kafka!
It was good to know about a writer, a sculptor and a sculpture through your post.
Thanks for sharing
The statue of this great writer too is very Kafka-esque , what a great idea Sir ji .
Indeed a unique picture..
Quite an interesting statue!
Hmm, interesting.I want to know more now…!
Picture looks intriguing and so do the description. Very interesting post Indrani 🙂
Nice shot! I want one of those riding suits too 😀
Wow.. this is interesting..
The statue of this great writer too is very Kafka-esque! His body of work is very different …mixing reality and fantasy very well.
Always like the way you present the background info of the pics. 🙂
Strange and very interesting… thanks for sharing In 🙂
Old Castle: Kafka Recomposed
Innovative! so much out if the box. Great find
This is amazing . unique statue and a beautiful picture.
Thanks for sharing.
Read the title and was reminded of Kafka on the shore by Murakami…
Lovely sculpture and the place seems so fascinating.. an aunt=uncle who visited prague said it was mind blowing… 🙂
I briefly got the idea behind the statue as soon as I saw it…your explanation proved my intution right…amazing work of art!
A very interesting statue – thanks for the story as well.
Wonderful sculpture….this book I have not read…but I love the statue.
Hugs
SueAnn
Nice3 description….
I have read some of Kafka's works, and this statue seems perfectly appropriate.
That is one unique statue.
Your post is interesting to read and that statue is unique. Thanks for sharing.
The Beach
Nice and interesting sculpture…Prague is a beautiful city..Walking along Vltava river, one can feel really romantic!
I haven't read the book, but I have read something about it — somewhere?? Fascinating statue and a great capture as always, Indrani!
Sylvia
Very good shot Indrani…..well done.
greetings, Joop