Andres Bello Bust

From 1810 to 1829, Andres Bello, a Venezuelan intellectual, played a crucial role in the South American independence movement while residing in London. Here at St Antony’s College, Oxford, the Andres Bello Bust stands as a tribute to his multifaceted life. The bust, crafted in bronze by Santiago Poletto, captures the essence of this remarkable figure. The plaque beneath the Andres Bello Bust details his many accomplishments: “Poet, Jurist, Philosopher, Philologist, Educator”. Born in Caracas in 1781, Bello’s journey led him to London, where he served the cause of South American independence. He was not only a diplomat but a prolific writer, contributing to influential journals like *La Biblioteca Americana* and *El Repertorio Americano*. Andres Bello tutored the children of Lord Hamilton and worked as a secretary for the Chilean and Colombian legations to support himself during his London years. The Andres Bello Bust inscription highlights his 19 years in London, a period of intellectual growth and political activism. After leaving London in 1829, Bello settled in Chile. There he continued his impressive career, drafting the Chilean Civil Code and becoming the first rector of the University of Chile. The Andres Bello Bust serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy in both South America and the wider world. It commemorates a man who dedicated his life to education, law, and the pursuit of knowledge.