John of Nepomuk Monument, Wroclaw

John of Nepomuk, a revered saint, renowned for his role in safeguarding against the perils of floods, held particular importance in a city graced with an intricate network of waterways. Born in the 14th century in Pomuk (later renamed Nepomuk), was a Christian presbyter and the confessor of Queen Sophia of Bavaria. His life took a fateful turn when, as the keeper of royal confessions, he faced a perilous dilemma. Refusing to disclose the queen's secrets to her husband, Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia, John met a tragic end, cast into the unforgiving waters of the Vltava River.

The statue of John of Nepomuk that now stands proudly on Ostrów Tumski was meticulously crafted between 1730 and 1732. The skilled hands responsible for this masterpiece belonged to Bohemian-German sculptor Johann Georg Urbansky, who brought to life a design conceived by Christoph Tausch.

Upon closer inspection, one may notice a charming and somewhat peculiar detail on this monument. Two of the cherubs adorning the figure are depicted as bald, in contrast to the typical representation of cherubs with a full head of (presumably golden) curls. This whimsical touch carries an endearing story with it. It is said that Urbansky's assistant, tasked with sculpting the final cherub heads, was inspired by the arrival of his hairless newborn son. To commemorate this special occasion, he decided to immortalize his baby's likeness among the celestial choir of angels. Initially met with his boss's ire, the sculptor's audacious act eventually won over Urbansky's heart, prompting him to grant a second cherub a buzz cut to maintain symmetry.