Statue of Emperor Joseph II

From 1765 to 1780, Joseph, whose imperial dignity alone elevated his titular status, served as co-regent with his mother, Maria Theresa, in the lands of the Habsburg Monarchy; from 1780 he was sole ruler. Joseph is considered an exponent of enlightened absolutism and initiated an ambitious reform program (Josephinism, patent of tolerance, abolition of serfdom). Shortly before the end of his life, he was forced to withdraw many of his reform projects.His motto was: Virtute et exemplo (“With virtue and example”).Source and further information
de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_II.

The bronze statue of Emperor Joseph II from 1887 was originally in Cheb. Today it is on the line of sight in front of the Glauberquelle drinking hall. The statue is missing its right arm.

Another reference to the area's German past