Statue of José de San Martín, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of José de San Martín |
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The statue in 2008
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| Artist | Juan Carlos Ferraro |
| Medium | Bronze sculpture |
| Subject | José de San Martín |
| 51°30′00″N 0°09′13″W / 51.5000°N 0.1535°W | |
A bronze sculpture of Argentine general José de San Martín stands in Belgrave Square, London, United Kingdom. It was officially shown to the public on November 2, 1994. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the Argentine Ambassador Mario Cámpora were there for the event. This impressive statue was created by the Argentinian sculptor Juan Carlos Ferraro.
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Who Was José de San Martín?
José de San Martín was a very important general and leader. He is known as one of the "Liberators" of South America. He helped several countries gain their freedom from Spanish rule.
San Martín was born in Argentina in 1778. He trained as a soldier in Spain. Later, he returned to South America. He believed that the people there should be free.
He led armies across the Andes Mountains. This was a very difficult journey. His forces helped Argentina, Chile, and Peru become independent. He is a national hero in these countries.
The Statue in London
The statue of José de San Martín is located in Belgrave Square. This is a beautiful area in London. The statue shows him on horseback. It is made from bronze.
The unveiling ceremony in 1994 was a special event. It showed the friendship between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Prince Philip, a member of the British Royal Family, took part.
Why a Statue in London?
Having a statue of José de San Martín in London is a way to honor him. It also celebrates the strong ties between Argentina and the UK. It reminds people of his historical importance.
Many famous people have statues in major cities around the world. These statues help us remember their achievements. They also teach us about history.
The Sculptor: Juan Carlos Ferraro
Juan Carlos Ferraro is the artist who created this statue. He is an Argentinian sculptor. His work captures the spirit of José de San Martín.
Sculptors use their skills to create art from materials. Ferraro used bronze to make this detailed statue. It shows San Martín in a powerful pose.
