Rise up, slaves, because you have a homeland. These powerful words grace the Estatua de Emilio Castelar. We stand before a monument to a man of great conviction. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a tribute to Emilio Castelar. He was president of the First Spanish Republic.
The Estatua de Emilio Castelar stands in the Glorieta de Emilio Castelar. This roundabout is on the Paseo de la Castellana. The monument’s story began with the people. The Spanish State initiated it. Funds came from popular subscription. Around 1,000 institutions and individuals donated. They came from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, France, England, and Italy. Mariano Benlliure won a public contest in 1905. He became the designer of this monument.
Emilio Castelar was known for his eloquence. He defended the Spanish nation. He advocated for freedom. He fought against slavery. Jacinto Octavio Picón described the monument in El Imparcial. His words paint a vivid picture.
A rectangular granite floor forms the base. A limestone block sits atop it. A white marble basement supports two bronze benches. The bronze statue of Castelar stands between the benches. He is in oratorical pose. His head is high. His right hand is extended. To Castelar’s left is a marble figure of a naked woman. She represents The Truth. She lets her head fall back.
Cicero and Demosthenes climb up to Castelar on the left. These white marble figures are drawn to him. On the right a staircase features three bronze figures. They represent a worker, a soldier, and a student. The lower backside shows a bronze relief. It commemorates Castelar’s anti-slavery campaigns. Eight figures of men and women display their broken chains. Above them are Castelar’s words. They are written in golden letters. “Rise up, slaves, because you have a homeland.”
The intermediate block at the back has a sculptural group. It features a cannon and an artillery soldier. The upper part of the monument is a limestone parallelepiped. It stands 12 meters high. The Spanish coat of arms decorates it. Garlands of foliage add to the embellishment. Three naked women stand above them. They symbolize Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These words underpinned Castelar’s political creed.
The Estatua de Emilio Castelar was unveiled on July 6, 1908. It’s a powerful representation of Castelar’s life and ideals. The monument is a reminder of his dedication to freedom and justice. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry. Reflect on the values it represents. The Estatua de Emilio Castelar is more than a monument. It’s a testament to a man who fought for a better world.