Was Esteban Adrogué truly sitting like that? The bronze figure before us depicts the founder of Adrogué. It shows him in his mature years like locals remembered. This is the Monumento a Esteban Adrogué.
The monument stands in Plaza Espora. This is on Avenida Espora. The famous “La Cucaracha” building is nearby. So is the Colegio Nacional Almirante Brown.
Let’s delve into details often overlooked about the Monumento a Esteban Adrogué. Have you ever wondered who created it? It was Félix Pardo de Tavera. He was a remarkable academic sculptor. Though not widely known he lived right here in Adrogué.
Born in the Philippines, he was also a physician. The monument had an additional function for a time. In 1969, Adrogué’s remains were placed inside its pedestal. They had been moved from Recoleta to San Gabriel temple in 1953. Later the remains were removed.
Pardo de Tavera seemed drawn to seated figures. Besides Esteban Adrogué, he sculpted Bernardo de Yrigoyen and Marcos Paz in chairs. He also created funerary art in Recoleta Cemetery. He is known for the bust of General San Martín in Washington D.C.. A copy stands in the Academia Nacional de la Historia.
Back to the Monumento a Esteban Adrogué. The sculptor knew him. On January 20, 1904, La Nación announced plans for a statue. Neighbors wanted to honor Adrogué’s memory. The initial meeting occurred in the Hotel “La Delicia”. Pardo de Tavera and Juan Buschiazzo were on the commission. Buschiazzo declined the presidency due to a trip to Europe.
The commission created a medal for the cornerstone laying. It featured Adrogué’s image crafted by J. Santiago Lavarello. Casa Gotuzzo manufactured the medal.
Initially, the statue was to be in the town’s main square. However, Almirante Brown’s statue was already there. So Plaza Espora was chosen on February 5, 1904. The location is integral to the artwork’s authenticity.
Félix Pardo de Tavera accepted the commission. He did it for free. He only charged for materials and transport.
The Monumento a Esteban Adrogué was unveiled on March 25, 1909. La Nación described the town. It mentioned tree-lined streets and original design. The Monumento a Esteban Adrogué is a genuine sculpture. It captures “the old man Adrogué”. He has a kind face. He sits in his usual manner. His right hand rests on a cane. His left arm holds his top hat on the bench.
The monument is a triumph. Pardo de Tavera’s art has been frequently praised. The unveiling included speeches and music. A reception followed at Hotel “La Delicia”.
The bronze sculpture portrays Adrogué as a patriarchal figure. His right hand holds a cane. His hat rests on the other side. While authoritative, the statue is not rigid. It presents a lively portrait. The monument stands on a simple pedestal. A bronze plaque commemorates Adrogué. It honors the founder of this city.