Simon Bolivar - Paris, France
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 48° 51.874 E 002° 18.855
31U E 449706 N 5412627
Bolivar is recognized as the key leader in gaining independence for several Latin American countries from the Spanish Empire.
Waymark Code: WMD4W5
Location: Île-de-France, France
Date Posted: 11/19/2011
Views: 25
This sculpture is located on the Champs l'Elysee side of the Pont Alexandre III. It depicts Simon Bolivar seated on his horse...raising a sword in hos right hand in an apparent victory sign. The horse stands steady with all four hooves on the ground. Unfortunately, a web search did not reveal the name of the artist. But, Bolivar's Wikipedia page (
visit link) indicates:
"Paris, France, equestrian statue between the Alexandre III bridge and the Petit Palais, a joint gift to the city from the "five Bolivarian republics" of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia."
Bolivar (1783-1830), as a young man happened to be present in Paris to watch the coronation of Napoleon at Notre Dame. That event inspired him - and he returned to Venezuela and eventually received a military coomand. This began his campaign for independence...and he had almost immediate success ..liberating several Venzezuelan provinces...and gaining the title "El Liberator". He eventually succeeded in liberating areas that are now Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, northern Peru, and northwest of Brazil...an area known then as Gran Columbia. Bolivar was made President. In 1825, the Republic of Bolivia was created.... a country named after him.
Read more about him at (
visit link)