Both elements, square and equestrian monument, together take on a special value that makes this space the place in the city that best evokes the historical period of the Habsburg dynasty, creating an image that is part of the collective memory of Madrid and foreigners. If from the formal and stylistic point of view the monument is suitable for that space, it is no less so from the historical point of view, since Felipe III was precisely the promoter of the works to complete the square in 1617. The set of equestrian sculpture and its pedestal, although heterogeneous in origin, is harmonious and well proportioned, constituting an element that notably enriches the space of the Plaza Mayor, both for its correct scale and for the stylistic agreement with the architecture of the herself. The upper body or finish of the pedestal starts with a beautiful frieze with scrolls and vegetal decoration that connects with the cornice by means of a molding of ova and leaves. In the rear semi-cylinder there is a tombstone with loose bronze letters alluding to the placement of the equestrian monument in the Plaza Mayor: "THE QUEEN DOÑA ISABEL II / AT THE REQUEST OF THE / MADRID CITY COUNCIL / COMMANDED TO PLACE / IN THIS SITE THE STATUE / OF SEÑOR REY / DON FELIPE III / SON OF THIS VILLA / WHO RESTITUTED HER / THE COURT IN 1606 / AND MADE IT BUILD IN 1619 / THIS MAJOR SQUARE / YEAR 1848 ”. In the frontal semi-cylinder there is a heraldic relief with the coats of arms of the Royal House and the Villa of Madrid on a trimmed leather cartouche, topped by the royal crown. Two allegorical tombstones with sculpted reliefs representing war trophies are located on the sides of the intermediate body. On the granite plinth there are several moldings with plant decoration, triglyphs and bay leaves. It is made with three types of stone, gray granite in the base, pink granite in the middle section and Colmenar de Oreja limestone at the top, in the friezes, moldings and tombstones. The pedestal is a quadrangular prismatic body four meters high, topped by two semi-cylinders.
There is also a second inscription "RESTORED 1934 / ESCULTOR - FUNDIDOR / J. On the strap appears the signature of the sculptor Pietro Tacca, “PETRUS TACCA F. The reconstructed head is treated in a more concise and schematic way. It is meticulously worked, as can be seen in the treatment of the agitated manes, the tail, the muscles and the veins marked through the skin. The horse, advancing at a pace, raises one of its front legs, giving movement to the figure. On the chest appears the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, of Burgundian origin, while the right hand holds the baton, using the left to hold the reins. Iconographic elements of diverse origins, attributes of power that indicate the rank of the character are joined to the real image.
The neck with a large ruffle stands out, according to the fashion of the moment. His head is uncovered and he is protected with half armor, with the breastplate decorated with bas-reliefs. The king appears with a young and smiling face, showing serenity. The equestrian portrait is the fundamental part of the monument. The Equestrian Monument to King Felipe III of Spain in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid is made up of a Mannerist bronze sculpture larger than life size and an architectural pedestal from a later period, currently supported on a rectangular plinth or bench that serves as protection and support for a wrought iron lance fence.
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