Dietrich Klinge, a highly respected German artist, received training in drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Much of his early imagery references woodland spirits from tales of German folklore and legends. Grosser Trefree was originally carved in wood, then cast in bronze to preserve the characteristics of the wood. The bold form and textured surface reflect early 20^th-century expressionism and non-Western traditions.

Meijer Gardens also owns a model of this piece.