High above a fountain in Retiro Park stands La Flecha. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a bronze masterpiece. Ricardo Bellver created it in 1877. He was inspired by John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Bellver initially sculpted La Flecha in plaster. It won first prize at the 1877 Exposiciones Nacionales de Bellas Artes. The statue was later recast in bronze. The original plaster was sadly destroyed.
La Flecha depicts a fallen angel. This dramatic figure is 2.65 meters tall. The entire monument including its pedestal reaches a height of seven meters. It sits in the center of a roundabout. This roundabout bears the sculpture’s name. It also marks a park entrance.
The pedestal is octagonal. It’s adorned with figures of devils. They clutch fish lizards and snakes. The fountain surrounding the monument is ten meters in diameter. A parterre completes the design. Queen Maria Christina of Austria inaugurated the fountain in 1885.
La Flecha initially faced criticism. Some found its subject matter controversial. The sculpture’s ambiguous nature led to discussions about its possible interpretation as a satanic tribute. Despite early doubts La Flecha is now a beloved attraction. It’s celebrated for its dramatic appeal and intense expression. It is supposedly the only prominent sculpture dedicated to the devil. Interestingly it stands at an altitude of 666 meters above sea level. A polyester resin replica resides at the Museum of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid. There you can admire its intricate details.
La Flecha’s story is one of artistic triumph and enduring fascination. It is a testament to Bellver’s skill. It is also a reminder that even controversial art can captivate and inspire. So gaze upon La Flecha. Let its beauty and mystery linger in your memory long after you leave this beautiful park.