Ever wondered how Madrid honors its literary genius? Here before us stands the Estatua a Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. It is a tribute to the celebrated author of Don Quixote. This statue is more than bronze and stone. It represents Spain’s cultural pride.
The Estatua a Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was erected in 1835. It was Madrid’s first secular statue. It wasn’t dedicated to royalty. The statue reflects a mid-18th-century trend. This trend was to honor important figures in science and the arts.
Originally, the Estatua a Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was placed elsewhere. It stood in the court of Palacio de la Cruzada. This was in the Duque de Nájera square. In July 1835, it moved to its current location. The Plaza de las Cortes is near where Cervantes spent his last years.
The sculptor Antonio Solá created the bronze statue in Rome. It arrived in Madrid in 1835. Cervantes stands with a slightly bent right leg. He holds a roll of papers. His left hand rests on his sword’s knob. He wears Spanish breeches a buttoned-up jacket and a short cape.
Isidro González Velázquez designed the pedestal. The pedestal has Latin and Spanish inscriptions. They honor Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. They call him the “Prince of Spanish Writers.”
José Piquer Duart created bronze reliefs for the pedestal’s sides. These depict scenes from Don Quixote. One relief shows the adventure of the lions. The other shows Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. They are driven by the goddess of madness. The pedestal is made of limestone and granite.
From 1981 to 1986, four replicas of the Estatua a Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra were gifted. The mayor of Madrid sent them to New York Moscow Beijing and La Paz.
In 2009, the statue’s location in the Plaza de las Cortes was adjusted. During this relocation, workers found a time capsule. It contained Don Quixote tomes. It also held an 1834 Royal Statute and old newspapers. There was also a manuscript and a guidebook. These items are now at the Museo Arqueológico Regional. The museum is in Alcalá de Henares.
The Estatua a Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra symbolizes literary achievement. It highlights Cervantes’ lasting impact. As you stand here think of the countless readers. They are inspired by Don Quixote’s adventures. This statue embodies creativity imagination and the power of storytelling. It stands as a reminder of Spain’s rich literary heritage.