Hercules fighting with a centaur

Lapith’s Struggle with a Centaur, a sculpture by Ludwig Manzl, is located on the terrace in front of the Main Building of the National Museum in Szczecin. Funded by Consul Kisker, the sculpture was unveiled in 1916 and is made of sandstone. It is characterized by a classicizing modernist style and stands 2.4 meters tall, mounted on a concrete pedestal. It depicts dynamically intertwined figures of a centaur and a naked, muscular man, prompting reflection on their identities. Interpretations range from a centauromachy, where a Lapith battles a centaur, to identifying the figure as Hercules fighting a mythical monster. The sculpture is not only a significant element of Szczecin’s public space but also reflects the cultural and historical contexts of the period in which it was created. As a classicizing work of art, it aligns with the broader European trend that combines traditional mythological themes with a modern approach to form. Attention should also be paid to the materiality of the sculpture: its sandstone construction resonates with local building traditions, as well as its impact on the perception of culture and art in 20th-century Szczecin. Manzl’s sculpture thus serves as an interesting reference point for researchers of art, architecture, and regional history, while also building an emotional and intellectual connection with viewers through its monumentality and deep mythological context.