Not everyone is aware of this data but, Did you know that it is not necessary to travel to New York to know the statue of freedom? The Madrid capital is full of monuments and statues and among all, there is a very special symbol that reminds of what is located on the other side of the ocean. Although New York can boast its very high and famous statue, something that it cannot say and that Madrid does have two. And best of all? That can be visited for free.
Madrid does not have one, but two
Indeed, Madrid has its own statue of freedom twice, and although they are neither so well known, nor so great, they are older, so it could be said that they are the originals. One of them is located in the Pantheon of Atocha’s illustrious mena mausoleum dedicated to Calatrava, Argüelles and Mendizábal, and the other is part of the Palace of the Cortes.
Both statues were built by Zaragozano neoclassical sculptor Ponciano Ponzano During the year 1853, so they are 30 years older than its older sister New York that was built between 1875 and 1879 by the French Frédéric Bartholdi to commemorate the centenary of American independence.
Obvious differences and similarities
Although it is evident that the statue of freedom found in the pantheon is less imposing than that of New York, they keep significant similarities and differences. The creation of Ponzano was the reflection of the historical context through which nineteenth -century Spain passed, and although there is no reliable evidence that it influenced the design of Bartholdi, some of its coincidences are more than evident.
While New York is made of copper and measures 93 meters, the Spanish, a couple of meters high, was built in Carrara marble and has a more sober and symbolic style. The Zaragoza artist described his statue as a gallant and young, dressed slightly and with a Phrygian hat that adorns its head and light rays that shine in your hair. It is precisely this part of the statue where they are more similar.
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