I love art that has an interesting story behind it, so I was ecstatic to find this statue of ‘Helvetia On Her Travels‘ while walking along the river Rhine in Basel. The story goes that Helvetia once turned her back on the heroic (very much going against the mould in the time she lived!) and has cast her shield and spear aside to travel around Switzerland, where she now sits and thoughtfully gazes down the river, almost like she is remembering the past, and accepting her future.
If you happen to find yourself in Basel, make sure you stop by to sit with her and reflect while you gaze out along the crystal clear water.
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That statue is magnificent. It stands so romantic at the bank of the river watching the whole town!
Thanks George, she’s beautiful isnt she!?
I feel a wave of nostalgia when I look at this statue. As if it’s waiting for somebody who will never return.
Hi Gloria, totally agree : ) Thanks for commenting!
Great picture! I love the bare feet dangling, her skirt up around her knees… a weary traveler. I admire the Swiss (or, more likely, the people in Basel who decide these things) for allowing this depiction of their feminine avatar to be a little ironic (real?) in this tableau.
One question: Is she on the Klein Basel side, or the other?
Thanks,
john in montreal
Thanks John! I think its on the other wide for memory, overlooking Basel city!