Statue of d’Artagnan in Maastricht (Netherlands)

In 1977, the city of Maastricht decided to erect a bronze statue designed by the German sculptor Anne Wenzel. However, in 2006, there was a dramatic turn of events when the statue was stolen by criminals.

Following this incident, the city of Maastricht decided to acquire a new statue, which was installed in the University Park. Imposing and majestic, this representation of d’Artagnan differs from the original work by Anne Wenzel. The musketeer can be seen enthroned on his pedestal, sporting a carefully groomed moustache, a hat proudly screwed on his head, a rapier in his hand, and wearing gloves and boots.

The statue, designed by Russian artist Alexander Taratynov, bears the words that Louis XIV wrote to the Queen on learning of d’Artagnan’s death: ‘Madame, I have just lost d’Artagnan, in whom I had the greatest confidence’.