A basilisk sculpture on its journey
In Basel, the mythical creature Basilisk plays a special role as an urban landmark and symbol of the city. It can be seen on many fountains and coats of arms and symbolizes protection and power. A long time ago, four giant bronze basilisks guarded the bridge to Basel.
We were commissioned to create a faithful 3 meter high replica of one of the four 18th century bridge keepers. The figure was first milled in several segments using 3D data with our 5-axis milling machine and joined together to form a single unit. The basilisk was then given a polyurea hotcoat, which makes it very robust and weather-resistant despite its relatively low weight. The Basilisk was primed black in our paint booths and then set off on its journey to Basel. There, the customer painted it in bronze patina to imitate the original sculpture.
This imposing basilisk was presented during the Basel Carnival 2023 and attracted a lot of attention. As a prop on Münsterplatz, it secured an exclusive spot between gigantic lanterns. He then embarked on another adventure and even stood opposite one of the four 5-ton original basilisk sculptures from 1880. He has now arrived in his private garden, enjoying his twilight years and delighting his new owner with his majestic beauty every day.
The basilisk in all its beauty:
Images from the production of the basilisk:
“The Return – Video” an excerpt from Swiss television:
Dimensions
Height: 3 m
Weight: approx. 130 kg
Project number
P21-157
Photos of finished basilisks
M. Schoenmann, Bottmingen/Switzerland
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