Unknown thieves have sawed off and stolen one of three bronze figures from a sculpture installation called "Village Gossip" (Dorfklatsch) in the Wiehagen district of Wickede an der Ruhr, Germany. The artwork was created by renowned sculptor Jürgen Ebert from Bocholt and depicts an everyday scene of two women whispering to each other.
The sculpture, which was originally installed in 1996, shows a typical village scene cast in bronze, representing the universal human experience of casual conversation and community interaction. Ebert, known for his realistic portrayals of everyday life, designed the piece to capture the essence of small-town social dynamics through his artistic interpretation.
The theft has left the installation incomplete, with only one of the two conversing women remaining at the site. The missing figure was apparently removed using cutting tools, leaving clear evidence of the deliberate theft. Local authorities are investigating the incident, though no suspects have been identified at this time.
Jürgen Ebert, the Bocholt-based artist behind the work, has built a reputation for creating bronze sculptures that celebrate ordinary moments and human interactions. His "Village Gossip" installation was particularly beloved by the local community for its relatable depiction of neighborly conversation.
The theft represents not only a financial loss but also a cultural one for the community of Wickede-Wiehagen, where the sculpture had become a familiar and cherished landmark over its nearly three decades of display. The incident highlights the ongoing problem of metal theft affecting public art installations across Germany.
