Man on his Buoy, Amiens

Sculpture in Amiens

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Yassine Boukhriss

If you wander through Amiens' Saint-Leu district - where colorful houses line the Somme and café terraces spill onto cobbled streets - you might spot three calm yet curious figures keeping quiet watch. These are Stephan Balkenhol's Triptych (1993): three human sculptures carved from a single oak trunk that have since become part of Amiens' cultural soul. There's The Man on his Buoy, poised midriver, and his companions, The Woman in the Green Shirt and The Man in the Red Shirt, gazing out from gabled rooftops in Place du Don.

Locals have affectionately named them “the husband, the wife, and the lover,” a nickname that captures both the humor and intrigue that these figures inspire. Whether seen under sunlight dancing on the water or in misty twilight, this contemporary artwork feels right at home amid the medieval charm of Saint-Leu - one of the top sights in Amiens for those who love art that interacts with everyday life.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is Stephan Balkenhol’s Triptych Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance

German sculptor Stephan Balkenhol created the Triptych in 1993, carving all three figures from a single oak trunk. His minimalist, expressionless figures have made him internationally known, but in Amiens, these sculptures hold special meaning. They reflect the connection between people and place - silent observers of a city that has evolved through centuries.

The Man on his Buoy quickly became an icon, symbolizing resilience and solitude. After years in the Somme River, the wooden original succumbed to water damage, breaking at the ankles. In 2019, Balkenhol himself returned to Amiens to restore the work, crafting a stainless steel version that could withstand the elements without losing its quiet humanity. This gesture of care and renewal only deepened the city's affection for the piece, which remains a highlight of any walking tour of Amiens.

Things to See and Do

Take time to explore how the three figures interact with their surroundings. The Man on his Buoy seems to float between two worlds - the reflections of the river below and the gaze of the two figures perched high above on rooftops. The trio forms an invisible triangle across Place du Don, inviting you to interpret their relationship from different vantage points.

The setting itself adds to the experience. Saint-Leu, with its narrow canals, pastel houses, and lively terraces, offers a picturesque stage for Balkenhol's art. It's one of the things to do in Amiens that combines contemporary creativity with historic atmosphere. Stop for a coffee nearby and watch how locals and tourists alike pause midstride to look up at these figures - a perfect moment of quiet connection between art and life.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Late afternoon for warm light on the sculptures and reflections in the river
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Accessible year-round, outdoors
How long to spend: 20-30 minutes, plus time to enjoy the neighborhood
Accessibility: Fully accessible by foot; river paths are flat and well-paved
Photography tip: Capture all three figures in one frame from the bridge over the Somme near Place du Don
Nearby food options: Plenty of cafés and restaurants line the canal, offering local specialties and scenic views

How to Get There

The sculptures are located in the Saint-Leu district of Amiens, about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and city center. Head toward Place du Don, where you'll see two figures on the rooftops. The Man on his Buoy is visible in the middle of the river just opposite. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with nearby bike paths and bridges connecting both sides of the Somme.

Is Stephan Balkenhol’s Triptych Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. This work is more than public art - it's a quiet conversation between the city, its people, and the river that runs through it. For visitors, it's one of the best places to see in Amiens if you want to experience how contemporary art and local culture intertwine. The Triptych brings humor, curiosity, and modernity to one of Amiens' most historic districts.

Other Sites Nearby

Amiens Cathedral - The city's soaring Gothic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hortillonnages d'Amiens - The floating gardens of the Somme, often visited on walking-tours of Amiens.
Maison de Jules Verne - The author's beautifully preserved home, filled with imagination and history.
Musée de Picardie - A treasure trove of art and archaeology in a stunning 19th-century building.
Quai Bélu - A lively stretch of restaurants and bars overlooking the river, perfect for an evening stroll.

Stephan Balkenhol’s Triptych is a testament to how art can inhabit a city - quietly, humorously, and enduringly. Whether you discover it by chance or seek it out intentionally, these figures will likely stay with you long after you’ve left the banks of the Somme.

The Man on his Buoy appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

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