Was it fate or coincidence that brought Jos\u00e9 de San Martin to Brussels? We are standing before the Jos\u00e9 de San Martin Statue a tribute to a South American hero. It marks his time in this city.
This isn’t just a statue. It’s a portal to a fascinating chapter in the life of General Don Jos\u00e9 de San Martin. He was the liberator of Argentina Chile and Peru.
Let’s delve into the story behind the Jos\u00e9 de San Martin Statue. It stands at the corner of Rue de la Fianc\u00e9e and Rue du Pont Neuf. This bronze plaque commemorates San Martin’s stay in Brussels from 1824 to 1831.
San Martin wasn’t Belgian. He was an Argentine general. He played a key role in South America’s independence. He is a national hero in Argentina Chile and Peru.
But what was this South American hero doing in Brussels? After fighting for independence San Martin exiled himself. Argentina was politically unstable. He chose Brussels as a temporary home. He wanted to ensure his daughter’s education in Europe.
He arrived in Brussels in 1824. He lived on Rue de la Fianc\u00e9e. The street San Martin knew is different today. It was longer before 1868. It stretched from Rue du Foss\u00e9 aux Loups to the Senne River.
San Martin left Brussels in 1831. He sought to protect his daughter from Belgian independence turmoil. He moved to France where he lived until his death in 1850.
The Jos\u00e9 de San Martin Statue we see today wasn’t erected until much later. 1950 was declared the Year of San Martin in South America. This marked the centennial of his death. The Peruvian ambassador to Belgium brought San Martin’s Brussels stay to the attention of minister Paul Van Zeeland.
A committee was formed to honor San Martin. The bronze plaque was inaugurated on August 17 1950. A reception followed at the Palais des Acad\u00e9mies.
Elisabeth Barmarin sculpted the plaque. It features a bas relief portrait of San Martin in his general’s uniform. The inscription is bilingual French and Dutch. It recalls his time in Brussels. The Compagnie des Bronzes in Brussels cast the plaque.
The statue has moved. In 2002 the street underwent changes. A large administrative complex was built. The Jos\u00e9 de San Martin Statue was reinstalled. It was placed on the corner of the new building.
The Jos\u00e9 de San Martin Statue is more than metal and stone. It embodies a life dedicated to freedom. It reminds us of a leader who crossed continents. He sought peace and a better future for his daughter. The statue stands as a lasting symbol of his time here in Brussels. It links South America and Belgium.
Take a moment to appreciate the Jos\u00e9 de San Martin Statue. Think about the journey that brought him to Brussels. Consider the impact he had on South America. Remember the values he stood for. May this monument inspire us to strive for a better world.