Monumento a la Fe Descubridora — Huelva, Spain
Posted by: prussel
N 37° 12.737 W 006° 56.422
29S E 682757 N 4120409
The "Monumento a la Fe Descubridora" (Monument to the Discovery Faith), popularly known as "Monumento a Colón" (Columbus Monument), is a memorial situated on the outskirts of the city of Huelva
Waymark Code: WMGED0
Location: Andalucía, Spain
Date Posted: 02/22/2013
Views: 4
The Monumento a la Fe Descubridora is located in an area known as Punta del Sebo (where the rivers Río Tinto and Odiel meet), two kilometres from the urban area. It was designed by the American sculptress Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in 1929. The cubist monument, built with stones from the town of Niebla, is one of the city's most notable hallmarks.
The figure shows a Franciscan friar of the monastery of La Rabida, leaning on a Cross of Tau (a Franciscan symbol), facing the river and covered with a blanket. The monastery played a crucial role in helping Christopher Columbus called "epic discoverer". Christopher Columbus stayed at the friary two years before his famous first voyage, after learning that King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella had rejected his request for outfitting an expedition in search of the Indies. With the intervention of the guardian of La Rábida and the confessor to Isabella, Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, he was able to have his proposal heard.
Commonly the statue is confused with the figure of Christopher Columbus himself.
In 1956 the following plaque was added (translated Spanish text):
"This statue was donated in 1929 to the Spanish people by the people of the United States as an expression of friendship to the nation whose generosity and clear vision made possible the discovery of Columbus. Erected under the auspices of the Columbus Memorial Fund. Sculptor Gertrude V. Whitney. In 1956 John Davis Lodge, the U.S. ambassador, unveiled this board to confirm the friendship of the two peoples."
Added in 1980:
"1880 to 1980. The Real Sociedad Colombina Onubense, on the centenary of its foundation, dedicated this plaque in honour of the sailors under the command of Columbus and the Pinzón brothers who found a new world.
Emiliano Sanz Escalera. President.
José Mª Segovia Azcárate. Secretary."
source: wikipedia
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Monumento a la Fe Descubridora
Figure Type: Human
Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1929
Materials used: sandstone
Location: Punta del Sebo
|
Visit Instructions: Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.
|