Perhaps you’ve noticed the inscription LUI BARBU. It marks the Bustul lui Barbu Constantinescu. This bust commemorates a remarkable Romanian professor. Barbu Constantinescu lived from 1839 to 1891. He dedicated his life to educating the masses.
Standing here before the Bustul lui Barbu Constantinescu it is fitting to acknowledge Constantinescu’s core belief. He profoundly believed that an enlightened populace was the foundation of a strong state. The more educated the people the happier the state would be internally. The more powerful and respected it would be externally. This conviction drove his life’s work.
Ioan Iordănescu a Romanian sculptor created this bronze bust. Iordănescu was an alumnus of the Bucharest School of Fine Arts. The Bustul lui Barbu Constantinescu was unveiled on May 8 1911. It sits upon a tall stone pedestal. Look closely at the front of the pedestal. There you will see the inscription.
Barbu Constantinescu’s academic journey was impressive. He attended the Central Seminary and Saint Sava College in Bucharest. In 1860 he secured a state scholarship. This allowed him to study in Leipzig. He earned a degree in theology and a doctorate in philosophy.
Returning to Bucharest in 1866 Constantinescu became a professor. He taught at the Central Seminary. Later he taught history at Matei Basarab High School from 1883 to 1891. He also taught pedagogy at the Elena Doamna Asylum. His commitment to education was unwavering.
Constantinescu achieved another milestone. He was appointed the first dean of the Faculty of Theology. He held this position until his death in 1891. His influence extended beyond the classroom.
Throughout his life Barbu Constantinescu published many works. These included Romanian language manuals history books pedagogy texts and ecclesiastical history books. His writings reflected his dedication to education and enlightenment.
The Bustul lui Barbu Constantinescu stands near Saint Catherine Church. Its location is Strada Sfânta Ecaterina number 3 sector 4. This monument is more than just a sculpture. It is a registered historical monument. Its LMI code is B-III-m-B-20051.
Constantinescu’s impact wasn’t limited to traditional subjects. He was the first Romanian scholar of Romani studies. This began after encouragement from Franz Miklosich. Miklosich was a prominent figure in Romani dialectology. Constantinescu’s work included collecting Romani folklore. He edited the journal Educatorul.
Though he planned to publish more his untimely death prevented it. Much of his work remains in unedited manuscripts. These are preserved at the Romanian Academy Library in Bucharest. His legacy as an educator and scholar endures.
Take a moment to appreciate this tribute. The Bustul lui Barbu Constantinescu honors a man who believed in the power of education. He championed the enlightenment of the Romanian people. His dedication continues to inspire us today.