El abuelo inmortal, Bronze and granite monument in Palermo Chico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
El abuelo inmortal is a bronze and granite monument in Palermo Chico depicting General José de San Martín seated in a domestic moment with his two granddaughters. The sculpture features bronze figures mounted on a substantial granite base that incorporates earth from neighboring countries.
Sculptor Ángel Ibarra García created this memorial in 1951 as a tribute to the general's legacy. The work emerged during a period when Argentina was celebrating the cultural heritage of its independence-era leaders.
The monument depicts General San Martín in a private family setting rather than in military dress. This intimate portrayal changes how visitors perceive the historical figure and shapes their understanding of his personal life.
The monument is located in Palermo Chico near the Instituto Sanmartiniano and is easy to visit on foot. Visitors can view the sculpture year-round in the open air and explore the surrounding neighborhood.
The artist used a historical daguerreotype as the model for the general's face and sculpted the hands after a friend. The figures of the granddaughters were inspired by local girls, giving the work a personal connection to the community.
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