Bronze on a wooden base. Height: 31 cm.
Limited edition of 49 pieces.
The Conqueror Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
This sculpture by José Crespo represents Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, a prominent historical figure as a Spanish conquistador and the founder of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., located in Florida. Crafted in bronze, the piece captures the conquistador in a firm and dignified stance, with meticulous details highlighting his period attire and armor.
The bronze features a patina that adds depth and texture, emphasizing the details and folds in his clothing and boots. The expression on Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés’s face conveys determination and authority, traits emblematic of his historical role.
The sculpture is mounted on a polished wooden base, providing stability and a warm contrast to the bronze. This base adds a touch of elegance and completes the piece, allowing it to stand out in any setting.
«In Florida, there is a place with authentic Spanish flavor that stands as the oldest European settlement in the U.S. This is the city of St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in 1565, specifically by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. It is the oldest city in the U.S., and to this day, the Spanish flag has flown there longer than the American flag.
Incredibly, even today you can find Don Pedro in the streets of the city or at the site of the Fountain of Youth. Near this site, a Spanish position from that era has been recreated, and this gentleman fires the cannon once a day after shouting «For the King.» It gives you goosebumps…
After speaking with Don Pedro (truthfully, after so many years there, his Spanish was a bit rusty, and he spoke fluent English with a strong American accent), I decided that this character was perfect for a bronze figure. So, I took several photos and waited for the right moment. Several years have passed since then, but his time has finally come. I created the figure in Madrid between April and July 2014.
This figure has more detail than those I have made so far, and to ensure those details are preserved, I had it cast in multiple pieces.
Here’s to Don Pedro and the Spanish heritage in the U.S.!»
José Crespo
