Gazing upon this statue, do you realize it wasn’t always here? The Diosa Hera Statue stands gracefully facing the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios. It replaced another statue in 2006. That statue depicted a young Ephebe with a bow. It might have been a Trojan prince.
This former statue is now in a municipal warehouse. Its deterioration made it necessary to remove it. Like the statue before it, the Diosa Hera Statue came from Cecilio Rodríguez gardens. Rodríguez created a mythological sculpture series in 1941. This series stood in the Plaza del Mármol. The square has changed a lot since then. Its original design is barely recognizable now.
Let’s focus on the Diosa Hera Statue before us. This statue is a classical female figure. She stands tall with a dignified presence. Her left hand gently holds her mantle. Her right hand holds a pomegranate. A pomegranate symbolizes prosperity and fertility. The statue shows a possible peacock figure next to her right leg. Sadly, the peacock is missing its head.
The pomegranate and peacock are attributes of Hera. Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage, women, and family. Her Roman counterpart is Juno. The Diosa Hera Statue has an inscription on its back right side. It reads IB-BLANCUS-S. The statue itself measures 1.50 x 0.60 x 0.50 meters.
The Diosa Hera Statue is made of stone. It’s crafted from limestone. The statue rests on an oval pedestal. This pedestal is simple. It lacks elaborate decoration. Only the top and base have moldings. The pedestal’s dimensions are 1.10 x 1.30 x 0.90 meters. A trimmed box hedge surrounds the statue. Flowerbeds add color to the setting. Inside and outside this enclosure is a lawn.
The Diosa Hera Statue is municipal property. It enriches the cultural landscape of Madrid. This statue connects us to ancient mythology. It reminds us of the stories and beliefs. These beliefs shaped civilizations. Madrid’s streets are graced by many gods and goddesses. They are perched on fountains. They are on rooftops. They are a reminder that Madrid is a veritable Olympus. The Diosa Hera Statue adds to this divine presence.
So next time you pass by, remember this story. Think of the goddess. Think of her symbols. Appreciate the artistry. The Diosa Hera Statue is not just a statue. It is a piece of Madrid’s layered past. It will enrich your experience in this amazing city.