King Karl XIV Johan - Stockholm, Sweden
Posted by: 
tigwash
N 59° 19.299 E 018° 04.392
34V E 333454 N 6579528
King Karl XIV Johans statue near Slussen in Gamla Stan.
Waymark Code: WM41P5
Location: Sweden
Date Posted: 06/24/2008
Views: 89
Charles XIV John (Swedish: Karl XIV Johan), born Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, later renamed Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte (January 26, 1763 – March 8, 1844) was King of Sweden and Norway (where he was known in Norwegian as Karl III Johan) from 1818 until his death. He was also the first Sovereign Prince of Pontecorvo.
French by birth, Bernadotte served a long career in the French Army. He was created a Marshal of France by Napoleon I, though the two had a turbulent relationship. His service to France ended in 1810, when he was elected heir to the Swedish throne.
This equestrian statue shows Karl XVI as he arrived in Stockholm in 1810. However, when Slussen was rebuilt in 1935 the sculpture was rotated and today it shows the king leaving the city. The original plinth was also replaced by a higher and simpler one. Originally the statue was to have had both sword and cape, but was later changed to present a more peaceful picture of the regent. The work is considered the best of Stockholm’s equestrian statues.
Inscription:The love of my people is my award, was the motto of king Karl XIV Johan. He was king of Sweden and Norway from 1818.
Monarch Ranking: King / Queen
Proper Title and Name of Monarch: King Karl XIV Johan (Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte )
Country or Empire of Influence: Sweden and Norway
Website for additonal information: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:Waymark Visitor - Must either
- Provide a photo at the Statue
- Answer a related question, if available, as posted on the Waymark description to the satistfaction of the Owner