Simon Bolivar Bust
Photograph printed 2020
Paper
10 x 7 cm
Personal collection
The picture is of a bust of Simon Bolivar in Funchal Madeira in Portugal, inaugurated on August 12th, 1980. This object came to my collection after I purposefully searched out an image of a bust of Simon Bolivar. In the early 1800s, Bolivar embarked on a campaign to liberate Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru from Spanish rule. Today statues depicting his likeness can be seen today in many South American cities in the countries he liberated. An example can be found in the capital city of Colombia which is Bogota. Bolivar is such an important figure that in South America, a country is named after him (Bolivia), the currency of Venezuela bears his name (Bolivars), and in several countries that he liberated, a department (state) has been named after him. Finally, the main plaza where statues of him can be found in Bogota is called La Plaza De Bolivar.
This picture clearly displays the message on the bust that explains what the famous liberator did. The message, translated to English, reads, “Liberator of six countries: Panama, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Born in Caracas Venezuela 24.07.1783. Died in the Quinta San Pedro Alejandro 17.12.1830.”
The meaning of this image for the public depends on their knowledge, as in the case of many museum objects. Those who know about Simon Bolivar will love this object, and those who do not know his story might like to know what he did during the 19th century to the Spanish colonies in South America. As a military leader who liberated many modern day countries, those who have studied him might want to follow in his footsteps as a military hero. Military historians will be especially interested in his successful strategies, such as outflanking the Spanish Royalist army by crossing the Andes with his army. The military clothing Bolivar is adorned with represents the strong part of military history of his and his allies’ fight against the Spanish Royalists.
Simon Bolivar is a South American hero whom I have always respected. As I am Colombian, I admire him for what he did for my country and for my fellow Colombians. The bust suggests the potential impact of one individual in a global context, and conveys a strong sense of the nationalism evoked in various countries that is tied the narrative of the things he accomplished.
Manuel Hederich