Man on his Buoy

Sculpture in Amiens

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Yassine Boukhriss

Stephan Balkenhol’s Triptych (1993), located in the Saint-Leu district of Amiens, is a playful yet thought-provoking trio of oak sculptures that have become a beloved part of the city’s visual identity. Carved from a single tree trunk, the work features three human figures: The Man on his Buoy, positioned in the middle of the Somme River; The Woman in the Green Shirt, and The Man in the Red Shirt, both perched on the gables of houses in Place du Don. Locals, with characteristic wit, have affectionately dubbed them “the husband, the wife, and the lover”—a nod to the subtle narrative tension and human relationships hinted at by their positioning.

The Man on his Buoy has become especially iconic. Balancing on a floating platform in the water, he represents both solitude and resilience—a quiet figure at the intersection of nature, urban life, and artistic expression. The original oak version weathered for years in the river until water damage caused it to break at the ankles. In 2019, Balkenhol returned to replace the sculpture with a stainless steel version, maintaining the character of the original while ensuring its longevity.

Together, the three figures create a visual dialogue across the square, drawing the eye and inviting interpretation. Their minimalist features and neutral expressions are trademarks of Balkenhol’s style, which encourages viewers to project their own meanings onto the forms. The triptych seamlessly blends art into the daily rhythm of Amiens—surprising, accessible, and deeply woven into the local culture. Whether you’re crossing the square or pausing by the riverbank, these quiet characters lend an unexpected spark of contemporary art to the historic charm of the Saint-Leu district.

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

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