Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild Live Cam

The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild, also known as the equestrian statue of Jan Wellem, is a historical monument located in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is considered one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of its history and heritage.

The statue portrays Jan Wellem, a prominent historical figure who played a significant role in the development of Düsseldorf and the surrounding region during the 17th century. Jan Wellem, also known as Johann Wilhelm, was the Elector Palatine of the Rhine from 1679 until his death in 1716. He was a member of the Wittelsbach dynasty and ruled over territories that encompassed parts of modern-day Germany and the Netherlands.

Jan Wellem is particularly renowned for his support of the arts and culture, which significantly contributed to Düsseldorf's reputation as a center for artistic and intellectual pursuits during his reign. He sponsored the construction of numerous architectural landmarks, including the iconic Schloss Benrath palace and the Düsseldorf Hofgarten.

The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild itself was commissioned to commemorate Jan Wellem's legacy and was created by the renowned sculptor Gabriel de Grupello. The statue depicts the elector on horseback, dressed in elaborate Baroque attire, and is situated on a grand pedestal adorned with intricate reliefs and decorative elements. The monument was unveiled on August 18, 1711, in the heart of Düsseldorf's old town.

Over the centuries, the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild has become an emblematic representation of Düsseldorf's history and cultural identity. It has withstood the test of time, surviving various conflicts and historical periods. The statue has been relocated a few times within the city due to urban development projects, but it has always remained an important symbol for the people of Düsseldorf.

Today, the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild continues to attract visitors and serves as a popular meeting point and landmark in the city. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jan Wellem and his contributions to the cultural and artistic heritage of Düsseldorf.

Historical Facts

• Commissioning: The statue was commissioned by Elector Palatine Jan Wellem himself. He desired to have a monumental equestrian statue created to commemorate his reign and celebrate his achievements.
• Sculptor: The renowned Flemish sculptor Gabriel de Grupello was chosen to create the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild. De Grupello was known for his expertise in creating intricate and lifelike sculptures.
• Construction and Unveiling: The statue took several years to complete. It was constructed in the period between 1703 and 1711. The unveiling ceremony took place on August 18, 1711, in the heart of Düsseldorf's old town.
• Symbolism: The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild was intended to symbolize Jan Wellem's leadership, power, and patronage of the arts. The statue depicts him on horseback, wearing a regal attire that represents his noble status.
• Material: The statue is made of bronze, a durable and aesthetically pleasing material commonly used for sculptures. The bronze casting process involved pouring molten metal into a mold created by the sculptor.
• Relocation: The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild has been moved several times throughout its history. It was initially placed in the center of Düsseldorf's old town. In the 19th century, it was relocated to the courtyard of the Schloss Jägerhof. Later, in the 20th century, it was moved to the Rheinpark, and finally, in 1988, it found its current location on Jan-Wellem-Platz.
• Conservation: The statue has undergone various restoration and conservation efforts over the years to ensure its preservation. These efforts included cleaning, repairs, and reinforcing the statue's structure to withstand environmental factors and potential damage.
• Cultural Significance: The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild holds immense cultural significance for the city of Düsseldorf. It is regarded as a symbol of the city's history and identity, representing Jan Wellem's legacy and his contributions to the cultural and artistic development of the region.
• Tourist Attraction: The statue is a popular tourist attraction and a notable landmark in Düsseldorf. Visitors and locals often gather around the monument, using it as a meeting point or as a backdrop for photos.
• Heritage Protection: The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild is protected as a historical monument under German heritage laws. This ensures that it will be preserved for future generations and continue to be cherished as a testament to Düsseldorf's rich history.

These historical facts showcase the significance and enduring legacy of the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild in Düsseldorf's cultural and historical landscape.

Literature

The Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild, being a prominent historical monument, has inspired various literary works throughout the years. Here are a few examples:

• "Die Tagesreise" by Heinrich Heine: Heinrich Heine, a German poet and writer, mentions the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild in his poem "Die Tagesreise" ("The Day's Journey"). Heine describes the statue and its location in Düsseldorf as part of the city's charm and character.
• "Düsseldorfer Geschichten" by Heinrich Lersch: Heinrich Lersch, a local writer and poet from Düsseldorf, dedicated a section of his work "Düsseldorfer Geschichten" ("Düsseldorf Stories") to the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild. Lersch vividly depicts the statue and its significance in the city's history.
• "Das Jan Wellem Lied" by Georg Forster: Georg Forster, a German poet, wrote a popular song titled "Das Jan Wellem Lied" ("The Jan Wellem Song"). The song pays tribute to Jan Wellem and describes his statue as a symbol of Düsseldorf's pride and loyalty.
• "Jan Wellem oder die Liebe zur Kunst" by Hermann Löns: Hermann Löns, a German writer known for his regional works, authored a novel titled "Jan Wellem oder die Liebe zur Kunst" ("Jan Wellem or the Love for Art"). The novel explores Jan Wellem's life and his passion for art and culture, featuring the equestrian statue as a central motif.
• "Düsseldorf und seine Denkmäler" by Ute Cohen: Ute Cohen, a local historian, wrote a book called "Düsseldorf und seine Denkmäler" ("Düsseldorf and its Monuments"). The book provides detailed historical information about the city's monuments, including the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild, shedding light on their significance and cultural context.

These literary works, among others, demonstrate the impact of the Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild on the artistic and literary imagination of writers and poets, reflecting its importance as a symbol of Düsseldorf's history and cultural heritage.