Patrona Bavariae: Mariensäule (München)

„Rem regem regimen regionem religionem conserva Bavaris, Virgo Patrona, tuis!“
     -Johann Jacob Balde S.J.

Mariensäuler or Mary's Pillar in Munich is a column that was built in 1638 , during the 30 Years War (1618-1648), after the city of Munich was saved from destruction by the Swedes.

At the base of the pillar there are four angels slaying four beasts representing the four threats Munich had at that time.

• The first monster is a dragon representing hunger.
• The second, a lion representing war.
• The third is something like a "lizard-hen" representing illness.
• The fourth, a serpent representing heresy , i.e. all the Protestants, who battle against the Church.

P.S. You can buy nice wooden reproductions of that image from Demetz, starting at € 50.