“Al benemerito Benito Juárez la Patria.” That’s the inscription you’ll find on the pedestal of the Busto de Benito Juárez. This monument stands as a tribute to one of Mexico’s most esteemed presidents. We are standing in Alameda Central park in Mexico City. Right here we have the Benito Juárez Hemicycle.
Benito Juárez served as president five times during the 19th century. He is widely credited with resisting French incursions and modernizing Mexico. Juárez was a Zapotec native from Oaxaca. He rose from humble beginnings. Juárez became one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
His presidency from 1858 to 1872 was marked by a struggle against foreign intervention. This was especially true during the Reform War. It also applied to the French Intervention in Mexico. Juárez is known as the “Benemérito de las Américas.” He enacted significant reform laws. These laws shaped the nation’s legal framework. They separated Church and State. These laws promoted civil liberties.
The Busto de Benito Juárez’s construction began in 1906. It marked the centennial of Juárez’s birth. Porfirio Díaz assigned the engineers for the monument’s construction. Italian artist Alessandro Lazzerini sculpted the statues. The monument was dedicated on September 18, 1910.
The Busto de Benito Juárez is Neoclassical in style. It is semicircular. It has a strong Greek influence. The monument features twelve Doric columns. These columns support an entablature and frieze structure. The monument has two golden spikes on both sides.
At the center there is a sculpture. It is composed of a seated Benito Juárez. Two allegories flank him. One represents the homeland. She is crowning Juárez with laurels. The second represents the law. The basement has festoons. Another sculpture centers a republican eagle. It has open wings. Neoaztec frets lie with two lions.
The main statue by Lazzaroni shows Juárez seated. Symbolic figures are on either side. They depict the crowning motherland. Justice is shown with a glory torch. A couple of lions are on the seat of the pedestal.
The Busto de Benito Juárez stands as a lasting symbol. It represents respect and admiration in Mexican society. Remember Benito Juárez. He helped shape the foundations of modern Mexico. His legacy remains etched in stone.