Teniente Jacinto Ruíz Mendoza, Bronze statue in Plaza del Rey, Madrid, Spain
This bronze sculpture depicts a military officer in full uniform with carefully crafted facial features and details, created by sculptor Mariano Benlliure. The work stands in Plaza del Rey in the Justicia district and was completed in 1891.
The statue honors an officer who fought in 1808 at Madrid's Artillery Park during the Spanish resistance against French occupation, sustaining severe injuries in the fighting. His remains were later transferred from Trujillo to Madrid to receive permanent commemoration.
The statue depicts a military figure in uniform whose actions during the French occupation became part of how Madrid remembered its resistance. This monument serves as a public reminder of individual bravery that shaped the city's identity during turbulent times.
The monument is located in the Justicia area and can be easily reached on foot from Chueca or Recoletos metro stations. Access is straightforward with no particular barriers or special conditions that would complicate a visit.
The work contains the actual remains of the honored officer, transferred from Trujillo to Madrid in 1909. This makes it not just a memorial but also a burial site with special historical significance.
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