LISBON, Portugal — The equestrian statue of King Joseph I, created by sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, stands prominently in the center of Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) in Lisbon's Pombaline Downtown district. Behind the statue, the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta is visible, crowned with sculptures representing Glory rewarding Valor and Genius. This historic square, situated next to the Tagus River, showcases key elements of 18th-century Portuguese urban design and sculpture.
Photograph by David Coleman. The statue of King Joseph I, erected in 1775, is a masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque sculpture and a focal point of Lisbon's iconic Praça do Comércio. Created by Joaquim Machado de Castro, Portugal's foremost sculptor of the 18th century, this bronze equestrian statue commemorates King Joseph I, who reigned from 1750 to 1777. The king is depicted astride a horse, symbolizing power and authority, with allegorical figures adorning the pedestal. Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square), is one of Lisbon's most significant and largest squares, covering approximately 36,000 square meters. It played a crucial role in the city's reconstruction following the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The square's design, part of the Pombaline Downtown rebuilt under the direction of the Marquis of Pombal, exemplifies 18th-century urban planning and Enlightenment ideals. The square is flanked by elegant yellow Pombaline-style buildings, which house various government ministries and once served as the Royal Ribeira Palace. The northern edge of the square is dominated by the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch completed in 1873. This neoclassical structure, topped with statues of Glory, Valor, and Genius, serves as a grand entrance to Rua Augusta, the main pedestrian thoroughfare of the Baixa district. Praça do Comércio opens onto the Tagus River to the south, reflecting Lisbon's historical importance as a maritime trading hub. Today, the square remains a vital part of Lisbon's cultural and political landscape, hosting various events and serving as a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. Its grand scale, historical significance, and architectural harmony make it one of Lisbon's most photographed and visited locations.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Praca do Comercio, Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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