Marquês Sá da Bandeira, Statue in Misericórdia, Lisbon, Portugal
Marquês Sá da Bandeira is a marble statue in the Misericórdia neighborhood of Lisbon, created as a memorial and work of art honoring a key historical figure. The main figure stands on a tall stone pedestal, surrounded by bronze figures at its base.
The monument was inaugurated in the late 19th century in Lisbon, honoring a leader who played a central role in abolishing slavery in Portugal. It was created by Italian sculptor Giovanni Ciniselli, who died before completing all parts of the work.
The sculpture shows the Marquis holding a flag inscribed with the word 'Libertas', meaning Freedom. At the base, bronze figures of a woman, a child, and lions complete the composition, each carrying a clear symbolic meaning related to the abolition of slavery.
The monument is easy to reach on foot in the Misericórdia area, which is well connected and surrounded by cafes and small shops. Walking around the full base gives a better view of all the bronze figures and inscriptions.
The woman depicted in the bronze figure at the base was modeled after a real person from Cape Verde named Andresa do Nascimento. The sculptor eventually set her aside as a model, but she later became a known figure in Lisbon's small theaters under the name Fernanda and wrote her own memories of life in the city.
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