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The Torch Bearers, Madrid

The Torch Bearers is an aluminum sculpture by American artist Anna Hyatt Huntington, donated to the city of Madrid. Since its inauguration on 15 May 1955, it has stood in Ramón y Cajal Square on the Moncloa campus of the Complutense University of Madrid, known as "La Docta." Huntington and her husband, Archer Milton Huntington, founder of the Hispanic Society of America, attended the unveiling. The sculpture shows a young man on horseback taking a torch from a frail elderly man lying on the ground, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge between generations. The torch was stolen in 2013 and replaced three and a half years later.

The Torch Bearers monument shows a nude rider on horseback passing a torch to a prone figure on a circular pedestal.
The Torch Bearers monument by Anna Hyatt Huntington, shown outdoors on a circular pedestal.
© · Public domain
The Torch Bearers sculpture showing a rearing horse with a mounted figure and another figure reaching upward from the base.
The Torch Bearers sculpture features a rearing horse and two figures on a textured circular pedestal.
July 2014 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Torch Bearers sculpture in front of a brick building under a cloudy sky.
The Torch Bearers sculpture stands outdoors near the University City of Madrid.
July 2015 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Torch Bearers sculpture shows a rearing horse and two figures on a circular pedestal in a landscaped outdoor setting.
The Torch Bearers stands on a wide circular pedestal amid gardens and pathways.
February 2025 © · CC BY 4.0
The Torch Bearers stone monument shows a rider on a rearing horse reaching down toward a reclining figure on a rocky base.
The Torch Bearers monument depicts a dramatic exchange between a mounted figure and a figure reclining below.
© · Public domain

Identification

TitleThe Torch Bearers, Madrid
TypeSculpture
Spanish titleLos portadores de la antorcha

Historical context

Archer Milton Huntington's roleFounder of the Hispanic Society of America
Location categoryMonument in Madrid

Creator

ArtistAnna Hyatt Huntington
Artist nationalityAmerican

Discovery and provenance

Donated toThe city of Madrid

Location and ownership

Current locationRamón y Cajal Square, Moncloa campus, Complutense University of Madrid ('La Docta'), Madrid

History and restoration

Torch theft and replacementThe torch was stolen in 2013 and replaced three and a half years later
Installation and inauguration date15 May 1955
Inauguration attendeesAnna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer Milton Huntington

Materials

MaterialAluminum

Appearance

Depicted sceneA young man on horseback taking a torch from the hands of a weak old man lying on the ground

Iconography and meaning

Symbolic meaningRepresents the transmission of knowledge between generations

Significance

Depicted on coinThe 1992 200 pesetas coin commemorating Madrid as European Capital of Culture

Other

Coin-related categoryStructure depicted on a coin