Here, etched in ceramic, lies a tribute to a master. The Mariano Benlliure Plaque honors Mariano Benlliure. He was a Valencian artist who captured the ephemeral dance of the bull and bullfighter in bronze.
Mariano Benlliure was born in Valencia in 1862. He died in Madrid in 1947. He became a leading figure of late 19th-century naturalistic realism.
Look closely at the plaque. It’s more than just a marker. It is a testament to Benlliure’s impact on Madrid. The Madrid fans donated it. The Mariano Benlliure Plaque was placed in 1957. The placement coincided with the San Isidro festivities.
The Mariano Benlliure Plaque mirrors another plaque dedicated to Roberto Domingo. Both plaques grace the whitewashed wall of the El Batán bullring. This is the main entrance of the Venta de El Batán. The wall features a black bull silhouette and a statue of San Isidro.
Notice the inscription. It proclaims: “Mariano Benlliure of bright Valencia who forever fixed in bronze the ephemeral is living culture of the bull and the bullfighter. The fans of Madrid dedicate this ceramic to him.” The inscription is painted in black.
A ceramic border frames the plaque. It’s a molded frame. It has alternating red, blue, and yellow stripes. The Mariano Benlliure Plaque itself is made of fifteen white ceramic tiles. Each tile measures 0.20 x 0.20 meters.
At the plaque’s base, two polychrome figures appear on tiles. The left side shows Madrid’s coat of arms. The right side depicts Valencia’s coat of arms.
Mariano Benlliure’s connection to bullfighting is significant. He immortalized bullfighting moments in bronze. However, his artistic prowess extended far beyond this theme. Benlliure’s sculptures adorn Madrid. They include Álvaro de Bazán in Plaza de la Villa. There is also Goya at the Prado Museum. An equestrian statue of Alfonso XII graces El Retiro Park. Emilio Castelar stands on the Castellana.
Benlliure lived in Madrid from 1910 to 1947. His house and studio were places of creation. He was a famous sculptor.
He began his art journey early. At six, he presented his first work. At seven, he joined Girabert’s studio. At 17, he successfully exhibited at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts. He also lived in Rome.
Benlliure directed the Museum of Modern Art from 1917 to 1931. During the Civil War, he worked in France and Portugal. After the war, he helped restore Holy Week processions.
Mariano Benlliure died on November 9, 1947. This was the day of La Almudena. He left behind countless bronze expressions. His gestures and clothing were designed for urban eternity.
The Mariano Benlliure Plaque stands as a lasting tribute. It honors an artist who shaped Madrid’s artistic landscape. It commemorates a sculptor whose work continues to inspire. It also embodies Madrid’s deep appreciation for art and culture.