Im Zeichen des Großen Bären

Ursa Major: “Im Zeichen des Großen Bären” by Susanne Kraisser

Susanne Kraißer plays with a double meaning in the title itself: “Der Große Bär” – the Great Bear – is not only an animal, but also the name of one of the best-known constellations of the northern sky: Ursa Major, better known as the Plough. This link between animal and celestial sign gives the small bear sculpture an additional, almost mythical dimension: the bear as guardian of the night, as namesake of a constellation, as an ancient symbol of strength, instinct and calm watchfulness.

Kraißer translates this idea into a compact but highly expressive silver form: the bear sits in a calm, grounded posture, its massive body carrying the characteristic lively surface relief that is the artist’s signature. Rather than aggression or wildness, the figure radiates a quiet, almost sublime presence – fitting for its celestial namesake, which for thousands of years has given seafarers and night travellers their bearings.

Cast in solid fine silver from 1.8 kg of pure fine silver and standing approx. 17 cm high, “Im Zeichen des Großen Bären” is one of the more compact works in the Kraißer programme at BullionArt. Each of the 18 numbered and signed examples combines an animal formal language with a wink in the direction of astronomy.