Is it possible that a statue could be moved not once but twice? The Estatua a Bravo Murillo has such a story. It stands here today a testament to Juan Bravo Murillo. He was a key figure in Madrid’s history. Let’s delve into the story behind this monument.
The Estatua a Bravo Murillo honors Juan Bravo Murillo. He was born in Fregenal de la Sierra. As Minister of Public Instruction and Public Works he championed the Canal de Isabel II. This canal was vital for supplying water to Madrid. The Madrid City Council erected this statue. It was part of a program by Mayor Alberto Aguilera. The program commemorated King Alfonso XIII’s coming of age in 1902.
Miguel Ángel Trilles a sculptor from Madrid created the Estatua a Bravo Murillo. The project included statues of Agustín Argüelles Francisco de Quevedo Francisco de Goya José de Salamanca and Lope de Vega. However monuments to playwrights Ramón de la Cruz and Leandro Fernández de Moratín and architect Ventura Rodríguez were never realized. The Estatua a Bravo Murillo cost 50000 pesetas. The statue and its pedestal shared the cost equally. Trilles designed the pedestal. It featured a female allegorical figure in limestone. Two bronze bas-reliefs adorned its sides.
An initial proposal in 1883 suggested placing a monument to Bravo Murillo. Possible locations included the glorietas of Quevedo San Bernardo or Bilbao. A contest was planned but never materialized despite a budget of 192000 pesetas. In 1891 Justo de Gandarias Plantón proposed a 9-meter-high commemorative fountain. The budget was 75000 pesetas but it was not built. A decade later José Urioste Velada revived the fountain idea for the Plaza de Alonso Martínez. The budget was 80796.65 pesetas excluding sculpture costs. It planned to use stones from the Puerta del Sol and Castellana fountains.
Finally on June 5 1902 King Alfonso XIII inaugurated the Estatua a Bravo Murillo. Its original location was the Glorieta de Bilbao. In 1961 it was removed due to traffic concerns. On December 17 1963 it was re-inaugurated. The location was the corner of Calle de José Abascal and Bravo Murillo near the Canal gardens. A curved stone-clad wall was built to provide a backdrop. This relocation cost 400000 pesetas. The upper part of the pedestal was replaced. The original inscription was altered to reflect the new date.
The original stepped base and surrounding fence were lost in the move. The lower part of the pedestal with an inscription about Mayor Alberto Aguilera also disappeared. The allegorical figure representing Madrid was damaged. A replica was commissioned but never installed. It was placed in the gardens of the Plaza del Perú. The figure lost its head to vandalism and was later restored. On June 24 1981 a bronze plaque was added to the wall. It was dedicated by the Association of Plumbing Employers of Madrid.
The Estatua a Bravo Murillo features a prismatic limestone pedestal on a granite base. A semi-kneeling woman symbolizes Madrid holding the city’s coat of arms. The sides are decorated with floral garlands. Bronze bas-reliefs depict Industry and Commerce. Bravo Murillo stands in bronze wearing period attire. He holds a roll of public works projects.
Today the Estatua a Bravo Murillo stands as a tribute to a man who shaped Madrid’s infrastructure. Its journey reflects the city’s evolving urban landscape. The statue remains a symbol of Bravo Murillo’s lasting impact.