Leaning against the weathered wall of Palacio de Bauer, Señora de bronce observes the bustling street life of Calle del Pez. She’s a silent witness to the ebb and flow of Madrid. The Señora de bronce isn’t just any statue. She represents a powerful story of defiance and the pursuit of knowledge. This bronze figure, life-sized and poised, pays tribute to a 19th-century student who challenged societal norms. In a time when women were denied access to higher education, she disguised herself as a man to attend classes at the Central University on Calle San Bernardo. Señora de bronce, also known as Julia, the student of Malasaña, holds her books close. Her gaze is fixed on the pages, a symbol of her thirst for learning. Her casual attire, a blouse, miniskirt, and sandals, might not reflect the actual clothing of the 19th century. But it symbolizes the timeless spirit of a woman who dared to break barriers. This sculpture captures the essence of Concepción Arenal. She is a real woman who attended the University of Madrid around 1840. It was a remarkable feat for the era. Señora de bronce stands between two iron-barred windows of the historic Palacio de Bauer. The building’s old brickwork and the almost rusted, black-painted bars of the windows add to the scene’s historical charm. The windows, covered with protective mesh, whisper stories of the palace’s past. Señora de bronce serves as a reminder of the struggles women faced. She embodies their unwavering determination to pursue their dreams. She stands as a symbol of courage and a testament to the power of education.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to