A bronze maiden, frozen in time. This is the Pureza Statue. She stands here in the Jardín Botánico, a testament to Argentine artistry. The Pureza Statue, crafted by Alfredo Bigatti, captures the essence of youthful innocence. The statue depicts a young woman, her posture conveying both shyness and purity.
The Pureza Statue, a three-quarter body representation of an adolescent girl, first gained recognition in 1926. It won the Gran Premio Nacional de Escultura, a prestigious national award. The statue eventually found its home in the Jardín Botánico. It was placed here on September 4, 1974. Bigatti, born in Buenos Aires in 1898, was a renowned Argentine sculptor. He studied at the Sociedad Estímulo de Bellas Artes in his hometown. Bigatti’s artistic journey led him to Europe in 1923, where he further honed his skills. He was associated with the “Martín Fierro” group and received numerous accolades for his sculptures and reliefs.
Bigatti’s works often featured figurative representations. They didn’t always follow strict organizational principles. Instead, they emphasized the synthesis and structure of forms. This focus on form is evident in the Pureza Statue. The play of volumes creates a sense of permanence, echoing classical influences. Bigatti’s work was influenced by Egyptian and archaic Greek art. Yet he also embraced the modern movement’s innovative thinking. Bigatti earned another Gran Premio Nacional de Escultura in 1935 for his piece “Alba”. This stone head was inspired by Raquel Forner, whom he married in 1936. He later won the Grand Prix de Sculpture in Paris in 1937 for his “Cabeza de Mujer,” carved directly in stone. Bigatti’s legacy extends to significant monuments. He contributed to the National Flag Memorial, creating figures like “El Océano,” “El Oeste,” and “La Pampa.” He also designed the reliefs “La Patria Abanderada” and “Juramento del Ejército de los Andes.” But here, in the tranquil setting of the Jardín Botánico, it is the Pureza Statue that captures our attention. Her serene beauty invites contemplation and embodies the timeless grace of youth.