Schwetzingen Castle and Mythology
Schwetzingen Castle and Mythology:
The Connection
The beauty and history of the grounds at Schwetzingen Castle is unmistakable. There is a deep history part of its roots in mythology. There are over one hundred statues that decorate the property with many that depict some kind of god, hero or representation of something in mythology. There are also many examples of other cultures scattered around the grounds. The way they are portrayed, their faces and poses tell the story of how they were perceived by their creators. The original castle, built in 1350, showed none of the potential that the future grounds would hold. In its beginning, it was merely a small castle with a moat, one of many such structures in Europe at the time. It was the genius of Palatine prince Elector Carl Theodor (1724-1799) to truly turn the Schwetzingen Castle in to a beautiful work of art. He also brought to life the Baroque gardens where statues of four characters of Greek mythology were placed. The gardens have statues or buildings of Zeus, Apollo, Athena, and the Sphinx. The statue of Zeus in the gardens of Schwetzingen Castle wears a crown of leaves and looks slightly downwards and sideways. His gaze is a powerful one. It is a remarkably emotional statue, offering many opportunities for different interpretation of disposition and intention. The possibilities can vary depending on the angle of the viewer. Is it possible he is passing judgment or deciding the fate of a fellow god? Or is he deep in thought trying to figure out a way to fool Agamemnon into attacking the Trojans: “While gods and mortals slept, Zeus considered how he could best bring honor to Achilles and kill many of the Greeks beside their black ships.” The statues expression can also remind us that men are often no more than an annoyance to the gods, flies to be swatted and forgotten. Nicolas de Pigage is the primary architect behind the new additions to the castle and the gardens. The gardens consist of 180 acres and
The Connection
The beauty and history of the grounds at Schwetzingen Castle is unmistakable. There is a deep history part of its roots in mythology. There are over one hundred statues that decorate the property with many that depict some kind of god, hero or representation of something in mythology. There are also many examples of other cultures scattered around the grounds. The way they are portrayed, their faces and poses tell the story of how they were perceived by their creators. The original castle, built in 1350, showed none of the potential that the future grounds would hold. In its beginning, it was merely a small castle with a moat, one of many such structures in Europe at the time. It was the genius of Palatine prince Elector Carl Theodor (1724-1799) to truly turn the Schwetzingen Castle in to a beautiful work of art. He also brought to life the Baroque gardens where statues of four characters of Greek mythology were placed. The gardens have statues or buildings of Zeus, Apollo, Athena, and the Sphinx. The statue of Zeus in the gardens of Schwetzingen Castle wears a crown of leaves and looks slightly downwards and sideways. His gaze is a powerful one. It is a remarkably emotional statue, offering many opportunities for different interpretation of disposition and intention. The possibilities can vary depending on the angle of the viewer. Is it possible he is passing judgment or deciding the fate of a fellow god? Or is he deep in thought trying to figure out a way to fool Agamemnon into attacking the Trojans: “While gods and mortals slept, Zeus considered how he could best bring honor to Achilles and kill many of the Greeks beside their black ships.” The statues expression can also remind us that men are often no more than an annoyance to the gods, flies to be swatted and forgotten. Nicolas de Pigage is the primary architect behind the new additions to the castle and the gardens. The gardens consist of 180 acres and