Statues - Hither & Thither

Site Search:

Andlau
Bas-Rhin
Alsace

Rue du Docteur Stoltz

L'ours d'Andlau

The Bear of Andlau

Roland d' Andlau
1997

Description

Bronze sculpture of a standing bear, eating grapes.

Inscription(s)

Signed: r. d'andlau / 1997 1/8

Andlau and the bear

The bear is the symbol of Andlau and Saint Richardis of Swabia.

According to the Richardis, the wife of Emperor Charles the Fat was in 887 accused of misconduct by her husband. To show his innocence she submits herself to the test of fire. Barefoot and wearing a shirt covered with wax, she passes through the flames unharmed. Although her innocence was proved, she left the imperial palace and went into the forest. An angel appeared and ordered her to found a monastery at the place to be supplied by a bear. At the entrance of the Val d'Eleon, on the banks of the river, she sees the beast announced scraping the ground.
At that spot she founded the abbey of Andlau. Since that time, Andlau is the bear village, 'le village aux ours'.

Sculptor

Roland comte d'Andlau, French sculptor of animals.

Locatie (N 48°23'11" - E 7°25'1") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: fral023; Photograph: 17 April 2012
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

Your banner here? Click for information.