A statue of King Carlos III of Spain stands directly across the "New" Plaza from that of Don Felipe de Neve. King Carlos III sent de Neve to California to serve as Provincial Governor of Alta California.
The King is wearing a suit of armor, with his hand on a sword at his waist. In his other hand he holds a scepter, the symbol of his rule.
A bilingual plaque on the base of the statue reads (in English):
"KING CARLOS III
1759-1788
King Carlos III of Spain ordered the founding of El Pueblo de la Peina de Los Angeles in 1781. This statue was presented in 1976, in honor of the 200th anniversary of American independence. It was dedicated on the Plaza by the King and Queen of Spain, Don Juan Carlos I and Dona Sofia on September 30, 1987."
From the SIRIS Database: (
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"Artist:
Coullaut-Valera, F., 1912- , sculptor.
Godina Hermanos, founder.
Title:
Carlos III, (sculpture).
Dates:
1976. Dedicated June 21, 1977.
Medium:
Sculpture: bronze with patina; Base: concrete.
Dimensions:
Sculpture: approx. 10 ft. x 3 ft. 8 in. x 4 ft.; Base: approx. 3 ft. 6 in. x 4 ft. 4 in. x 3 ft. 10 in. (2 1/2 tons).
Inscription:
(Proper right of sculpture:) ESCULTOR/ESPANA-1976 F. COULLAUT-VALERA (Proper left of sculpture:) GODINA HERMANOS/FUNDIO ORES MADRID signed Founder's mark appears.
Description:
A full-length standing figure of Carlos III, dressed in armor. He holds a baton in his proper right hand. In his proper left hand he holds the handle of a sword that hangs from his proper left side.
Subject:
Portrait male -- Carlos III -- Full length
Ethnic -- Spanish
Occupation -- Other -- Aristocrat
Object -- Weapon -- Sword
Dress -- Accessory -- Protective Gear
Object Type:
Outdoor Sculpture -- California -- Los Angeles
Sculpture
Owner:
Administered by City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department, Public Art Division, 433 South Spring Street, 10th floor, Los Angeles, California 90013
Located MacArthur Park, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, Los Angeles, California
Remarks:
The statue of Carlos III (who granted the charter creating the pueblo of Los Angeles in 1781) is a Bicentennial gift from the Spanish people. The sculpture cost $40,000. The Parks and Recreation Department provided $9,000 for the pedestal and landscaping. IAS files contain a summary of the sculpture by J. M. "Kim" Morera dated Oct. 18, 1976. IAS files also include two articles from the Los Angeles Times dated Sept. 24, 1987, and Oct. 3, 1987, and transcriptions of bilingual text on base plaque.
Condition:
Surveyed 1994 December. Well maintained."