Observed from here, the Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo stands as a tribute to a great architect. It honors Francisco de Paula Ramos de Azevedo. He was a prominent name in architecture and urbanism in Sāo Paulo.
This sculptural set is made of bronze and granite. Galileo Emendabili, an Italian-born Brazilian sculptor, designed it. The monument was a posthumous tribute to Azevedo.
Azevedo passed away on June 12 1928. A competition was held to choose a design for the monument. It was inaugurated on January 25 1934. This date marked the city’s anniversary.
The Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo was originally located on Tiradentes Avenue. It stood in front of the Pinacoteca do Estado building. This building was an important work by Azevedo himself.
In 1967, the monument was dismantled. This was due to the construction of Sāo Paulo’s metro. It was moved to Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira in 1973. Today, it remains there in the square named after Azevedo. It is next to the Polytechnic School. Azevedo helped create this institution.
Construction of the Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo began in 1929. It took six years to complete. The monument consists of a large rectangular base. It measures 15.5 meters long, 13 meters wide, and 5.6 meters high. Two rows of Doric columns stand on this base. They support an architrave. The figure with the winged horse rests on top of the architrave. The total height of the monument is 23.7 meters. It weighs 22 tons.
The bronze figure at the top represents progress. It is an allegory. It depicts the Genie on a winged horse. The goddess Nike, symbolizing victory, rests in its hand. Giuseppe Rebellato cast the bronze sculptures. He was a skilled artistic foundry artist in Brazil.
The artist also created the figure of Ramos de Azevedo. He is seated and appears to be observing his projects. He holds blueprints in his hands.
The Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo features muses. They are arranged in pairs on the two largest sides. The Muses exude sensuality and femininity. Their bronze skins are visible and impressive. Each Muse represents Azevedo’s inspiration. They symbolize Engineering, Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture.
Builders are also depicted in the monument. They have movement and virility. They contrast with the delicate Muses. The builders’ muscular figures reveal the strength of work. They represent knowledge and creation. This allegorical representation references progress. It stands next to the coat of arms of Sāo Paulo.
The transfer of the Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo was a significant event. Weighing 22 tons, it moved from Tiradentes Avenue. It had stood in front of the Sāo Paulo School of Arts and Crafts.
The sculpture was close to buildings designed by Azevedo. However, the creation of the city’s north-south metro axis caused problems. The monument was in the path. It disrupted the connection between the avenue and the Anhangabaú Valley.
After discussions, the monument was dismantled. Discussions began about where to reinstall it. In 1972, the city government decided on Cidade Universitária. Eight years after being dismantled, it was reassembled. It was placed near the Polytechnic School. Ramos de Azevedo co-founded this school.
The monument spent years dismantled in Jardim da Luz. Criticisms arose about its new location. It was seen as less visible. Some felt it was far from its historical context. Concerns were raised about potential damage to the structure.
The Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo was exposed to the weather. It deteriorated, especially when dismantled and abandoned in Jardim da Luz. Analyses were done to assess its condition after reassembly. Despite being dirty and yellowed, it was found to be in good condition.
Today, the Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo stands. It is a testament to Azevedo’s legacy. It is a reminder of his contributions to Sāo Paulo’s architecture and urbanism.