A German sculptor has dedicated ten years of his life to creating an incredibly detailed replica of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, carved entirely from a massive sandstone block. Thomas Doneis from Wendeburg in the Peine district has been meticulously working on this extraordinary project, transforming what was originally a 21-ton sandstone block into an accurate reproduction of the iconic Bavarian castle at a scale of 1:62.
The scope of Doneis's undertaking is remarkable in its precision and dedication. According to the artist himself, he has invested over 30,000 hours of labor into the project, painstakingly recreating more than 500 windows and 800 columns and turrets that characterize the original castle. The sculptor continues to work up to 16 hours per day, refining every single detail of his masterpiece to ensure it matches the original architecture as closely as possible.
The intensive nature of his work has come at a personal cost to Doneis's health. The constant inhalation of quartz sand particles during the carving process has resulted in lung disease for the dedicated artist. Despite this significant health impact, he has persevered with his ambitious project, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to completing his artistic vision.
Once the sculpture is completely finished, Doneis plans to sell his remarkable creation for eleven million euros. However, his ultimate wish extends beyond mere financial gain. The sculptor hopes that his artwork will find a permanent home in a public space where it can be accessible to everyone. "For everyone to access, so that everyone can enjoy it," Doneis explained, expressing his desire for the piece to bring joy and wonder to the general public rather than remaining in private hands.
The project represents not only an extraordinary feat of artistic skill and endurance but also serves as a testament to one man's dedication to preserving and celebrating architectural heritage through art. The nearly completed replica stands as a remarkable achievement in stone carving and sculptural craftsmanship.
