Al pueblo del dos de mayo de 1808 facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 40°25′23″N 3°42′54″W / 40.42316°N 3.714884°W |
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| Location | Plaza de España, Madrid, Spain |
| Designer | Aniceto Marinas |
| Material | Bronze, limestone |
| Height | 3.50 m |
| Opening date | 4 May 1908 |
| Dedicated to | The role of the Madrilenian people during the Dos de mayo uprising |
The monument A los héroes del dos de mayo (meaning "To the Heroes of the Second of May") is a famous artwork in Madrid, Spain. It is also known as Al pueblo del dos de mayo de 1808 ("To the People of the Second of May 1808"). This impressive sculpture was created by Aniceto Marinas. It honors the brave people of Madrid and their important role in the Dos de mayo uprising of 1808.
Contents
History of the Monument
This monument was first sculpted in Rome by Aniceto Marinas in 1891. The sculpture shows a winged figure holding a banner. Below this figure, there is a soldier, a cannon, a small boy, and several fallen people. These figures represent the people who fought and died during the uprising.
Unveiling the Artwork
The monument was officially opened on May 4, 1908. Its first home was in a place called Glorieta de Ruiz Jiménez. Important people attended the ceremony. The Mayor of Madrid, Count of Peñalver, and Prime Minister Antonio Maura gave speeches. King Alfonso XIII himself unveiled the monument.
A Secret Surprise
When the monument was first unveiled, the real bronze statue wasn't ready. Instead, a plaster model was put in its place. This model was secretly painted green to look like bronze. But after some rain, the paint washed off! The people of Madrid were quite surprised to see the true plaster color underneath. Later that year, in October 1908, the actual bronze statue was finished. It was cast in Madrid by a company called "La Metaloplástica. Campins y Codina." This real bronze statue was then placed on the stone base.
The Monument's Design
The monument stands on a round stone base. On this base, you can read an important message: "al pueblo / del / dos de mayo / de / 1808". This means "to the People of the 2 May 1808." Above this writing, there is a bronze version of the city's official symbol.
Moving to New Homes
Over the years, the monument has been moved a few times. It was first moved to Glorieta de Quevedo. Then, in the 1960s, it found its current spot. Today, you can find it in a garden near the Plaza de España. Since the 1970s, it has also been close to the Temple of Debod, another famous landmark in Madrid.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento al pueblo del dos de mayo de 1808 (Madrid) para niños
