“Who was Ion C. Brătianu?” I ask. This imposing monument before us in University Square answers that question. The Ion C. Brătianu Statue stands as a testament to one of Romania’s most influential political figures. Brătianu was a 19th-century prime minister.
The Ion C. Brătianu Statue we see today is not the original. It is a replica of the 1903 monument. The original was designed by architect Petre Antonescu. French sculptor Ernest Henri Dubois created the original statue. An international contest in 1900 chose Dubois. The monument was inaugurated in 1903. It marked 12 years since Brătianu’s death. The location was at the intersection of Colței boulevard and Carol I boulevard. Today, that is I. C. Brătianu boulevard.
Sadly, the communist regime dismantled the original monument in 1948. They melted the bronze statues. But Brătianu’s legacy could not be erased so easily.
Sculptor Ionel Stoicescu reproduced the work. Authorities placed it at its historical site in University Square in 2019. The 14-meter tall monument weighs 160 tons. The Bucharest City Hall financed the project.
Ion Constantin Brătianu was a major political figure. He helped shape 19th-century Romania. He participated in the 1848 revolution in Wallachia. Brătianu co-founded the National Liberal Party in 1875. He served as prime minister twice between 1876 and 1888. Brătianu led the government during the 1877 Independence War. He oversaw the establishment of the Romanian Kingdom in 1881. The National Bank was established while he was prime minister. His government passed measures to modernize Romania.
Look closely at the statue. Brătianu stands on a large stone pedestal. He is depicted as an orator. His right hand stretches out pointing to the north. A woman holding the Romanian flag stands beside him. A soldier in uniform is also present. Smaller bronze sculptures decorate the pedestal. One depicts a woman breaking the chain of slavery. This references Romania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Reliefs adorn two sides of the monument. One shows Brătianu speaking to the nation in 1848. The other shows Carol I greeted by Brătianu upon arriving in Romania. The plinth bears an inscription. It reads: “Through our mind, through our heart, and our arms. 1851.”
The Ion C. Brătianu Statue stands here. It reminds us of a leader. He helped forge modern Romania. His vision and dedication continue to inspire.