Loretta

Loretta – von Keuschheit und Begehren (©Thomas Kunz/BZ)

The talk of the town is a sculpture by Freiburg artist Thomas Rees* that he called: "Loretta - of chastity and desire."
*Thomas likes to transform trunks into sculptures.

©Thomas Rees

The motif of a four-meter-high carving erected at the entrance of Freiburg's Loretto bath is a naked nymph with long, blond hair, an exposed right breast, and a wasp waist. A discontented shepherd god Pan crouches at her feet.

Rees refers to a Greek myth in which love-crazed Pan corners Nymph Syrinx. Not at all willing, she transforms into a reed. Pan, however, keeps the upper hand, cuts down the reed into seven pieces, and carves his famous flute out of her.

Critics accuse Rees of sexism and a clichéd, sexualized depiction of the female body, while the artist sees "Loretta" as a symbol of self-determined women.

Remember my blog about the Damenbad Lollo, as visitors call Freiburg's unique bath reserved for women only? Its female visitors appreciate the Loretto bath as a male-free retreat where they are among themselves, showing themselves as they are protected from unwanted glances.

Under the impression of the continuing discussions, the association's executive committee of the friends of the bath offered its resignation last Wednesday.

*