What if a statue could speak? The Ana Davila Statue stands as a tribute to a remarkable woman. It is Bucharest’s first monument dedicated to a woman. Let’s delve into the story behind this striking sculpture.
This monument honors Ana Davila. Ana was born Ana Racoviță in 1834. She married Dr. Carol Davila in 1861. Ana was not just a wife. She became a prominent figure in social work and education.
The Ana Davila Statue was created by Karl Storck and his son Carol Storck. It was unveiled in 1890. The statue depicts Ana Davila in traditional Romanian clothing. Beside her stands a barefoot orphan girl. This girl represents the orphans cared for at the Elena Doamna Asylum. Ana directed this asylum.
Ana Davila came from the Golescu family. She was the niece of Dinicu Golescu. She married Carol Davila after his first wife passed away. Ana took over the management of the Elena Doamna Asylum. This asylum was founded by her husband in 1860. She worked with high-society women to fund the institution. Elena Cuza initiated a public fundraising campaign for a new asylum building.
The Elena Doamna Asylum stood on Cotroceni Hill. Over time, more buildings were added. These included the Elisabeta Chapel. Queen Elisabeta of Romania supported these additions. The asylum provided various activities for the girls. They learned sewing embroidery and folk costume making. Ana Davila oversaw these activities. She even created a book of patterns for the costumes.
In 1873 the asylum displayed costumes and educational materials at the Vienna International Exposition. They received several awards. Sadly Ana Davila’s life ended tragically in 1874. She died at only 40 years old. A pharmacist mistakenly gave her strychnine instead of quinine. This happened during a lecture at Colțea Hospital.
The Ana Davila Statue is made of Carrara marble. It stands on a stone pedestal with three steps. The monument was funded through national subscription. This was initiated by a committee of ladies and doctors’ wives. They were colleagues of Carol Davila. The inscription on the pedestal reads “Ana Davila. This monument was raised.”
Today the Ana Davila Statue stands within the Institute of Pedagogy. This was the former Elena Doamna School for Girls. It faces the Saint Elizabeth Doamna Chapel. The statue is listed as a historical monument of Bucharest. After Ana’s death, Dr. Carol Davila and Queen Elisabeta cared for the asylum. Streets near the asylum bear the names Ana Davila and Carol Davila.
The Ana Davila Statue serves as a reminder. It reminds us of her dedication to social work education and Romanian traditions. It honors a woman who made a significant impact on Bucharest society.