L’Homme de la Roche Statue

Gazing up at L’Homme de la Roche, a question arises. Who was this man of stone, and why does he reside in this rocky alcove? L’Homme de la Roche, also known as “The Good German,” is more than just a statue. It’s a portal to a fascinating life. This statue, nestled on Quai Pierre-Scize in Lyon, depicts Jean Kleberger, a 16th-century figure shrouded in an intriguing blend of history and legend. The statue, sculpted by Pierre Toussaint Bonnaire and inaugurated in September 1849, is a relatively recent addition to Lyon’s landscape. It replaced a series of wooden statues that occupied this niche since the 16th century, all erected to honor an anonymous benefactor. It wasn’t until 1842 that the city council officially identified Jean Kleberger as the subject. Kleberger, born in Nuremberg in 1485, led a peripatetic life. He made his fortune in banking and textiles, his business ventures taking him from Germany to Switzerland, the Netherlands, and finally, to Lyon. He settled here in the 1530s, marrying Pelonne Bonzin, a woman who became known as “The Beautiful German.” Kleberger’s generosity was legendary. He lent vast sums to individuals, even to King Francis I himself. He contributed significantly to the city’s welfare, helping found the Aumône Générale in 1534, solidifying his reputation as “The Good German.” L’Homme de la Roche stands in a niche carved directly into the rock face, a testament to Kleberger’s impact on Lyon. A local legend claims he financed the removal of a rocky outcrop that hindered river navigation, hence the nickname, “The Man of the Rock.” The statue portrays him with a purse in hand, a symbol of his wealth and generosity. More than just a stone figure, L’Homme de la Roche represents the spirit of a man who, though born German, became an integral part of Lyon’s history and its heart.