Landgraf Karl Statue

Gazing up at the Landgraf Karl Statue, one might wonder, how did this imposing figure end up here? The Landgraf Karl Statue dominates Kassel’s Karlsplatz, a silent sentinel watching over the bustling city. This isn’t the original statue. The original, a Carrara marble masterpiece by Bartholomeus Eggers, was crafted in 1686. It depicted Landgraf Karl of Hesse-Kassel at the youthful age of 32, hand on his hip, the other grasping a marshal’s baton. His attire resembled Roman battle gear, a nod to the grandeur of antiquity. The statue wasn’t designed to be viewed from all angles. The less detailed back suggests it was meant for a niche. The original even bore Eggers’ signature and the date on its plinth. Sadly, the marble succumbed to the elements over time. In 1936, a sandstone replica was commissioned, ensuring Landgraf Karl’s continued presence in the square. This replica is what we see today. The Landgraf Karl Statue has a fascinating history. The original statue was likely commissioned by Huguenots whom Landgraf Karl had welcomed into Kassel. It was a gift, a symbol of gratitude. Initially, it resided in the Ottoneum, which served as an art house. It wasn’t until 1768 that Landgraf Karl’s grandson, Friedrich II, moved the statue to Karlsplatz. This relocation was part of a larger city redesign, coinciding with the creation of Friedrichsplatz. The statue’s pedestal now bears Landgraf Karl’s name and the dates of his reign, added in the 1890s. The original statue, thankfully preserved, is now part of the Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel collection, though not currently displayed. Over the years, the Landgraf Karl Statue has witnessed many changes. It was once enclosed by a metal fence, removed in the 1950s. To accommodate parking, the statue was moved to the edge of the square in 1963, only to be returned to its prominent position in the 1980s. It stands as a tribute to a ruler who shaped Kassel’s history, a testament to artistry and a symbol of resilience.