Prešeren Monument, Ljubljana, Bronze memorial statue in Prešeren Square, Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Prešeren Monument features a 3.5 meter bronze statue of poet France Prešeren with a muse seated above him holding a laurel branch on a Pohorje tonalite base. The figures are arranged in careful composition on a solid pedestal forming a unified artwork.
The monument was created in 1905 by architect Max Fabiani and sculptor Ivan Zajec following a design competition that drew seven sculptors. This winning design was part of an effort to honor Slovenia's prominent poet.
The base displays two bronze reliefs showing scenes from Prešeren's poems The Baptism on the Savica and The Fisher. These carvings in classical style tell stories from his written work.
The memorial stands at the intersection of four major streets in central Ljubljana near the main square. The location is easy to reach and there are many nearby spots to pause and observe the monument.
The statue faces the street where Julija Primic lived, the subject of Prešeren's unrequited love. The muse figure was modeled after dancer Olimpia Pozatti, blending personal history with artistic creation.
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