Christopher Columbus Statue in Central Park

By -

Located at the southern end of Central Park in Manhattan stands a commanding bronze statue of Christopher Columbus. Crafted by Jeronimo Suñol, a popular Spanish sculptor, this sculpture was unveiled on May 12, 1894, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in the Americas. A gift from the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, it mirrors Suñol's original work in Madrid's Plaza de Colón, serving as a profound symbol of exploration and aspiration.



The statue presents Columbus in a posture that radiates confidence and vision. Standing tall, he dons elaborate attire characteristic of a 15th-century explorer. The intricate details of his robe, belt, and necklace reflect both the formal and historical essence of the figure. His right arm is outstretched, embodying the spirit of discovery and the proclamation of new horizons, while his left hand grips a staff crowned with a cross, symbolizing faith and conquest.

At Columbus's feet lies a globe, encircled by a coiled rope—a poignant nod to maritime ventures and global navigation. The statue's face, turned upward and outward, evokes a sense of ambition and gratitude, celebrating the success of his transatlantic voyage. Crafted in bronze, every element of the sculpture—from the folds of the clothing to the fine details of the accessories—echoes the themes of leadership, exploration, and the relentless pursuit of discovery.



The placement of this statue in Central Park carries deep historical and cultural significance. Erected two years after the original in Madrid, it reflects a shared celebration of Columbus's voyages that reshaped the understanding of the world. While the statue itself is a testament to the 19th-century admiration of Columbus, it also forms part of a broader narrative about the age of exploration.

Today, it stands alongside the second notable Columbus monument in the area—the towering statue atop the column at Columbus Circle—reminding visitors of New York City’s homage to this complex figure of history.



Whether admired for its artistic details or contemplated for its historical context, the statue serves as a conversation piece for those navigating the intersections of past and present.

Happy travelling.


Location: Central Park, New York, NY, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Little known Nimishamba Temple of Chennai

By -
Image
Site Name:  Nimishamba Temple Site Type:  Hindu Temple Location:   Kasi Chetty Street, Sowcarpet, Chennai city, Tamil Nadu state, India Highlights:   A rare temple of Nimishamba in Chennai city Nearest Railway Station:   Chennai - well connected from the cities/towns all over India Nearest Airport:   Chennai has both national and international airports How to reach:   Easily reachable by road as this is centrally located in the city Hotel:  Many star hotels, luxury hotels/resorts, and budget hotels are available in Chennai Restaurants:  All options - vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Chinese, South Indian, Gujarati, North Indian, Punjabi,....- you can find everything in Chennai city Chennai is considered as the gateway to South India. The capital city of Tamil Nadu state of India has hundreds of tourist sites which include museum, British period monuments, temples, beach, etc. Let us explore a little known temple called Nimisham...
Read more

The Tallest Murugan of Chennai

By -
Image
Consecrated in March 2021, the 40 feet high Bala Murugan icon at Saveetha Medical College campus is the tallest image of Murugan in Chennai. Malaysia has 140 feet tall Murugan. In April 2022, the 146 feet tall image of Murugan was consecrated near Salem in Tamil Nadu. However, they are all stucco images. But, the one that we find on the college campus is a monolithic granite icon. Thus, it is the tallest stone icon of Murugan in the entire world. A stone weighing 320 tonnes was brought from Siruvambur near Wallajah, and it was carved to 140 tonnes to get this beautiful and gigantic sculpture. The entire temple complex is designed in the shape of the Devanagiri letter "Om", which can be appreciated in the aerial view.  The west-facing gigantic sculpture is located atop the star-shaped pedestal. It dominates the entire landscape. A large meditation hall is situated below the pedestal. On the open corridor in front of the presiding deity, smaller shrines are found. They enshrine...
Read more

Hastinapuram Navapashanam Murugan Temple

By -
Image
Navapashanam is an amalgam of nine poisonous herbs. It is said to act as a remedy for all types of diseases. It is believed that the Siddhas knew the secret formula to prepare this medicinal potion.  The sculpture of Murugan from the famous Palani is claimed to be made of Navapashanam. Similarly, there is a lesser-known temple near Chennai, which has a Navapashanam Murugan. In Hastinapuram near Chrompet in the southern outskirts of Chennai, in a congested lane called Masjid Street, this tiny temple of Bala Murugan is situated. Murugan, made of Navapashanam, is the presiding deity.  Jalakandeeswara Linga, Meenakshi, and the Siddha who found this temple are the other Murtis found in the temple. Happy travelling.
Read more