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He weighs 1,300 pounds [700 kg] and few know what story he is hiding
Croatia🎭 CultureCenter10 days ago

He weighs 1,300 pounds [700 kg] and few know what story he is hiding

An unusual stone sculpture named 'Vodan,' inspired by a Slavic water deity, has been created from a 1.3-meter block of stone weighing between 600 and 700 kilograms. The stone was originally part of the foundation of an old Zagreb railway bridge built in the second half of the 19th century. Sculptor Robert Zdarilek discovered the stone during bridge restoration work and decided to give it new life by carving a sculpture directly on-site using only a hammer and chisel. The process took three years, primarily during summer months, and included the construction of small steps to access the stone. The sculpture, completed in 2020, is positioned under the green railway bridge and serves as both a piece of land art and a symbol of Zagreb’s history. It is intended to remain in nature, occasionally covered by the river Sava when water levels rise. Zdarilek plans to create more sculptures in the area, aiming to establish a small open-air park along the river.

A large stone sculpture named Vodan, depicting the Slavic water deity, has become a notable attraction near the green railway bridge over the river Sava in Zagreb. The work, created by sculptor Robert Zdarilek, stands on the southern bank of the river, hidden from view except during high water levels. The sculpture was carved from a massive stone block measuring 1.3 meters in length and weighing between 600 and 700 kilograms. This block was originally part of the foundation of an old railway bridge built in the second half of the 19th century. Zdarilek discovered the stone during renovations of the bridge and decided to give it new life through his artistic vision. The process of transforming the raw stone into a finished sculpture took three years, with Zdarilek working exclusively with hand tools, a hammer and chisel. He worked primarily during summer months, carving the figure directly onto the riverbank. To make the task easier, he even constructed small steps leading up to the sculpture. The final piece, completed in 2020, is designed to remain in its natural setting, blending seamlessly with the landscape. When the river’s water level rises, it occasionally fully submerges the sculpture, reinforcing its connection to the environment. The location holds personal significance for Zdarilek, who spent time on the site as a child with his father. Inspired by these memories, he wanted to create something that would endure along the Sava, using material from the remnants of the old bridge. Rather than removing the stone from its place, he chose to carve the sculpture in situ, giving it a unique sense of belonging to both history and nature. The face of the figure remains intentionally ambiguous, inviting viewers to imagine their own interpretations. Zdarilek envisioned the sculpture as a form of “land art,” an artwork that exists and evolves within the natural world. The Sava River, which periodically covers the sculpture, plays an active role in shaping its appearance and presence. The stone from which the sculpture was made once formed part of the structural base of the historic bridge, and now, more than a century later, it serves a completely different purpose, one that reflects both past and present. Zdarilek had previously expressed plans to create additional sculptures in the area, aiming to establish a small open-air park along the riverbank. The sculpture, known as Vodan after the Slavic god of water, has drawn attention from passersby and locals alike. Its placement under the green railway bridge adds to its visual impact, making it a point of interest for those exploring the area. While the exact origins of the stone were well documented, the creative process behind the sculpture highlights Zdarilek’s dedication to preserving historical materials while reimagining them in contemporary contexts. The work continues to stand as a quiet yet powerful symbol of continuity between human craftsmanship and the natural world.

2 reports

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 8010 days ago
He weighs 1,300 pounds [700 kg] and few know what story he is hiding

An unusual stone sculpture named 'Vodan,' inspired by a Slavic water deity, has been created from a 1.3-meter block of stone weighing between 600 and 700 kilograms. The stone was originally part of the foundation of an old Zagreb railway bridge built in the second half of the 19th century. Sculptor Robert Zdarilek discovered the stone during bridge restoration work and decided to give it new life by carving a sculpture directly on-site using only a hammer and chisel. The process took three years, primarily during summer months, and included the construction of small steps to access the stone. The sculpture, completed in 2020, is positioned under the green railway bridge and serves as both a piece of land art and a symbol of Zagreb’s history. It is intended to remain in nature, occasionally covered by the river Sava when water levels rise. Zdarilek plans to create more sculptures in the area, aiming to establish a small open-air park along the river.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural and artistic endeavors, specifically the creation of a public sculpture. There is no political controversy or ideological framing involved. The narrative remains neutral, presenting the background, process, and significance of the artwork without any overt bias toward

Why factuality (88): This article confirms key facts from the first, including the location, weight range, and artistic process. It adds some contextual information about the artist’s personal connection to the site, which is supported by the cross-source consensus. The mention of the sculpture being called 'land art' i

Why objectivity (80): The writing remains largely neutral, focusing on describing the sculpture and its background. There is minimal editorializing, though the phrase 'neobičan čuvar Save' suggests a slight admiration for the artwork, which is common in such stories but still maintains a balanced tone.

tportal logotportalIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7510 days ago
PHOTO "Driven" out of Sava and catches the eye: It weighs hundreds of kilos, and few know its story

The article describes a unique stone sculpture called 'Vodan,' created by sculptor Robert Zdarilek from a block of stone that was part of the foundation of an old 19th-century railway bridge over the Sava River. The sculpture, which weighs between 600 and 700 kilograms, was discovered during the renovation of the bridge and took three years to complete using chisels and hammers. It is located on the southern bank of the river and is periodically submerged by the water when the Sava rises.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual description of a cultural and artistic project without overt political commentary. While the subject involves historical infrastructure and local heritage, there is no clear ideological framing or emphasis on political agendas. The focus remains on the artistic process

Why factuality (85): The article provides accurate details about the sculpture 'Vodan,' including its location, creator, weight range, and completion date. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the origin of the stone from the old bridge and the artist's process. However, it omits specific dates like when

Why objectivity (75): The tone is descriptive and somewhat promotional, using phrases like 'neobična kamena skulptura' and 'malo tko zna kakvu priču skriva.' While not overtly biased, it leans toward celebrating the artwork and its meaning, which slightly reduces objectivity.

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