Statues of Saints Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth, Charles Bridge, Stone statues on Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
The statues of Saints Barbara, Margaret, and Elizabeth are three sandstone religious figures positioned on the northern side of Charles Bridge. They form part of a collection of 30 religious sculptures arranged systematically along the bridge's railings.
Ferdinand Brokoff created these sandstone figures in 1707, though an inscription incorrectly attributes them to his father Johann. The sculptures were added during a period when the bridge was being continuously decorated with new religious artworks.
These three saints held meaning for specific groups: Barbara aided artisans and soldiers, Margaret supported mothers and pregnant women, and Elizabeth watched over bakers and their craft. The grouping reflects how the bridge served as a spiritual space for people from different walks of life.
The statues are easy to spot while walking across the bridge, as they stand clearly on the northern side. It helps to walk slowly and look upward to notice the details of the figures and read any inscriptions.
These three figures are among the few female saints in the bridge's sculpture collection, making their representation distinctive. Their placement side by side creates a focused grouping within the longer sequence of religious works.
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