Venture with me into the heart of Alameda Central park to discover the Busto Benito Juarez. It stands as a neoclassical monument. The Busto Benito Juarez commemorates the esteemed Mexican statesman Benito Juarez.
This monument’s story began in 1906. It marked the centennial of Juarez’s birth. Porfirio Diaz assigned engineers to construct this monument. The talented Italian artist Alessandro Lazzerini sculpted the statues.
The Busto Benito Juarez was unveiled on September 18, 1910. Its style is neoclassical. It shows a strong Greek influence. Twelve Doric columns support an entablature. A frieze structure is also part of it. Golden spikes flank both sides of the Busto Benito Juarez.
At the center of the Busto Benito Juarez sits a sculpture. It depicts Benito Juarez. Two allegories accompany him. One represents the fatherland. She is crowning Juarez with laurels. The other represents the law. Festoons adorn the basement. Another sculpture centers a republican eagle. It has open wings. Neoaztec frets and two lions lie there too.
A medallion graces the central pillar of the Busto Benito Juarez. It is surrounded by a laurel. The inscription reads, “For the Meritorious Benito Juarez, the Homeland.” The Busto Benito Juarez once appeared on the reverse of the 20 peso bill. This was of Series C and D issued in 1994.
The statue of Juarez is flanked by marble Doric columns. Two allegorical female statues stand next to Juarez. They represent the fatherland and law.