Fuente del Angel Caido (Fountain of the Fallen Angel), Madrid

The Fuente del Ángel Caído, located at the intersection of Paseo de Uruguay and Paseo de Cuba, is arguably one of the most captivating fountains in Retiro Park. Created by Ricardo Bellver in the late 19th century, this sculpture is believed to be one of only three statues of Lucifer in existence, drawing inspiration from verses in John Milton's "Paradise Lost". Bellver crafted the initial plaster mold during his time as a scholarship recipient in Rome, and its fame eventually reached the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, prompting King Alfonso XII to finance its reproduction in bronze.

The statue made its debut at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris, where it received significant acclaim. Later, the Crown entrusted the monument to the City Council for public display, under the condition that it be mounted on a dignified pedestal. Accordingly, an elegant pedestal was erected, and the ensemble was officially inaugurated in its present location within Retiro Park in 1885, a few months after the passing of King Alfonso XII.

The sculpture depicts a naked figure of a fallen angel, captured in the midst of descent. Resting on a severed tree trunk, one of the angel's legs is entwined by a coiled serpent. It is believed that his fall from grace is transforming him into Lucifer. The sculpture's expression is unconventional, contorted backwards, conveying not only pain but also, perhaps, feelings of hatred or humiliation.

Situated atop an octagonal pedestal at the center of a circular pond, the Fallen Angel is surrounded by eight monstrous heads and other symbolic figures from which water flows. The entire composition is enhanced by the beautifully landscaped area that encircles the pond.