Saint Augustine, Stone statue on Charles Bridge, Czech Republic
Saint Augustine is a stone sculpture on Charles Bridge showing the saint holding a hook and a burning heart, while an angel attempts to pour water from a seashell. The figure stands on the bridge's northern side and displays carved details that clearly distinguish the two figures.
The sculpture was created in 1708 by Jan Bedrich Kohl following a request from the Augustinian convent of Saint Thomas in Prague. It became part of a series of statues that decorated Charles Bridge over the 17th and 18th centuries.
The statue shows Augustine, a figure deeply rooted in church teachings, and his presence here reflects the trust that believers placed in him. The angel with the seashell refers to stories told about the saint in Christian tradition.
The statue sits on the northern side of Charles Bridge and is easy to spot when walking from the Old Town toward Prague Castle. A magnifying glass or good camera helps capture the fine details carved in the stone.
The seashell in the angel's hands refers to a legend where Augustine sat by the sea contemplating mysteries of faith. This maritime symbolism was important for medieval artists to express spiritual ideas.
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