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Origin and history

Mont-des-Oliviers de Molsheim is a monumental sculpture depicting the agony of Christ at the Jardin des Oliviers. Directed between 1765 and 1768 by a sculptor named Ziegler (or Zigler) for the gardens of the Molsheim Chartreuse, he was commissioned by Prior Bruno Fortin and received by his successor Gabriel Landonet. This monument, initially protected by a dome, was moved in the 19th century near the Jesuit church after the destruction of the former Saint George church.

A first Mont-des-Oliviers, now extinct, existed before 1765. The archives mention a restoration of its roof in 1685 and the addition of terracotta statues in 1686. A 1744 painting suggests that it was not located in the eastern garden of the Chartreuse. The present monument, spared by the Revolution, is transferred by the municipality to its current location.

In 1923, the protective dome was removed due to infiltrations, accelerating the degradation of the monument. Despite a project to replace the cover, it did not end, and the wrought iron gate was also removed, exposing the sculpture to looting and vandalism. Mont-des-Oliviers was listed as a historical monument on June 18, 1929.

The base of the monument, measuring about 6.5 metres by 4.5 metres, supports a carved group including Christ on his knees, surrounded by the apostles Peter, James and John, as well as soldiers guided by Judas. sculpted plant elements, now preserved at the Chartreuse Museum, initially completed the scene. The monument is now owned by the municipality of Molsheim.

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