Fritz Koenig was a German sculptor born on June 20, 1924, in Würzburg, Germany. He is best known for his large-scale sculptures, often made from bronze and stone. His work frequently explores themes of humanity and nature, and he gained international recognition for his artistic contributions. One of his most famous pieces is the Sphere, a large stainless steel sculpture that was originally installed in the World Trade Center plaza in New York City. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Sphere was recovered from the rubble and became a symbol of resilience and hope. Koenig passed away on February 22, 2021.