Lucio Correa Morales

Sculpting a Legacy: The Story of Lucio Correa Morales. Born in Navarro, Buenos Aires Province in 1852, Lucio Correa Morales embarked on an artistic journey that shaped Argentina’s sculptural landscape. Thanks to a stipend from President Domingo Sarmiento, Lucio Correa Morales traveled to Florence in 1874. He honed his skills at the Accademia di Belle Arti. Returning to Buenos Aires in 1882, Lucio Correa Morales unveiled his first major work, a sculpture of a Native American from the Pampas. The piece garnered critical acclaim, marking the beginning of a prolific career. Over four decades, Lucio Correa Morales created numerous works celebrating Argentine culture. Sculptures like “El Gaucho” and “La Ondina del Plata” (Undine of the Río de la Plata) captured the spirit of the nation. His travels throughout Argentina allowed him to observe the native peoples and criollos, ensuring authenticity in his portrayals. One of Lucio Correa Morales’ most poignant works, “La Cautiva” (The Captive), was inspired by a personal experience. The sculpture depicts an indigenous woman, forcibly separated from her children. It stands as a testament to the plight of indigenous people during that era. Today, “La Cautiva” can be found in front of the University of Buenos Aires Law School, a reminder of Lucio Correa Morales’ ability to transform personal experiences into powerful art. Lucio Correa Morales wasn’t just a sculptor; he was an educator. He shared his knowledge and passion at prestigious institutions. Among his students were prominent figures like Rogelio Yrurtia and Pedro Zonza Briano, ensuring his legacy lived on through future generations of artists. Lucio Correa Morales also had a family life. He married Elina González Acha, an educator and women’s rights activist, and they had seven children. Even beyond his sculptures, Lucio Correa Morales’s influence extends to Buenos Aires itself, with a street named in his honor. He left a lasting legacy on Argentine art, inspiring generations to come.