Rheinau in Schwetzingen in Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, Baden-Württemberg, Germany — Central Europe
Glücksschwein
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Lucky Pig
Photographed by James Hulse, September 23, 2024
1. Glücksschwein / Lucky Pig Marker
Kurfürst Carl Theodor von der Pfalz (1724-1799) ist für die Schwetzinger Geschichte von solch großer Bedeutung, dass ihm die Stadt im Jubiläumsjahr 2016 ein Denkmal gesetzt hat. Als Künstler konnte der Bildhauer Peter Lenk aus Bodman-Ludwigshafen gewonnen werden, der den Souverän in Begleitung einer Rokokodame auf einem Schwein reitend darstellt.
Der für seine provozierenden Arbeiten bekannte Künstler hat sich bei diesem ungewöhnlichen Reiterdenkmal namens „Glücksschwein" von einer Aussage des Preußenkönigs Friedrichs des Großen inspirieren lassen, der den pfälzischen Kurfürsten als „einen faulen Kerl und Glücksschwein, das mehr Länder geerbt, als er selbst erobert habe" bezeichnete. Der aufgeklärte Monarch Carl Theodor wurde seiner Friedensliebe willen als Feigling verhöhnt.
Außenpolitisch und militärisch war er eher unbedeutend; sein Interesse galt vielmehr den schönen Künsten und der Musik. Daher hat Peter Lenk mit der ebenso koketten, wie freizügigen Reiterin eine Allegorie der Musen geschaffen, von denen Carl Theodor so reichlich geküsst wurde. Es ist glaubhaft zu vermuten, dass in der Rokokodame
this page online
Eine ausführliche Broschüre zum Kunstwerk ist im Shop des Schwetzinger Schlosses und in der Touristinformation erhältlich.
Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate (1724-1799) is of such great importance to Schwetzingen's history that the city erected a monument to him in the anniversary year of 2016. The artist chosen was the sculptor Peter Lenk from Bodman-Ludwigshafen, who depicts the sovereign riding a pig accompanied by a Rococo lady.
The artist, known for his provocative works, was inspired to create this unusual equestrian monument called "Lucky Pig" by a statement by the Prussian King Frederick the Great, who described the Elector of the Palatinate as "a lazy fellow and lucky pig who inherited more lands than he himself conquered". The enlightened monarch Carl Theodor was derided as a coward because of his love of peace.
He was rather insignificant in foreign policy and military matters; his interest lay more in the fine arts and music. Therefore, Peter Lenk created an allegory of the muses, who so often kissed Carl Theodor, with this flirtatious and revealing rider. It is plausible to assume that the Rococo lady was also a monument to the Elector's mistresses.
A detailed brochure about the artwork is available
Photographed by James Hulse, September 23, 2024
2. The Lucky Pig statue and Marker in front of the palace
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical year for this entry is 2016.
Location. 49° 23.05′ N, 8° 34.345′ E. Marker is in Schwetzingen, Baden-Württemberg, in Rhein-Neckar-Kreis. It is in Rheinau. It is at the intersection of Schloßplatz and Karlsruher Str., on the left when traveling west on Schloßplatz. The marker and statue are on the corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Schloßpl 9-8, Schwetzingen BW 68723, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Altes Gasthaus „Zum Ochsen” / Old Inn "Zum Ochsen" (within shouting distance of this marker); Schloss Schwetzingen und der Schlossplatz / Schwetzingen Palace and the Palace Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Nicolas de Pigage (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Rabaliatti-Haus / Rabaliatti House (about 90 meters away); Schloß Schwetzingen / Schwetzingen Palace (about 120 meters away); Ein Paradies der Tonkünstler / A Paradise for Musicians (about 120 meters away); Musikerfamilie Ziwny / Ignaz Holzbauer (about 120 meters away); "Ein Paradies der Tonkünstler - HörBar" / "A paradise for sound artists - HörBar" (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schwetzingen.
Photographed by James Hulse, September 23, 2024
3. The Lucky Pig statue
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
