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Monument to Primo de Rivera (Jerez)

The Monument to Primo de Rivera (Jerez) is a sculptural monument in Jerez de la Frontera designed by Mariano Benlliure. Proposed in December 1923 and financed by public subscription, it was planned by a committee formed in 1925. Work began on 2 October 1928, and the monument was inaugurated on 29 September 1929 in the presence of the dictator. The composition features an equestrian figure, a winged Victory on the front, side reliefs showing generals around Primo de Rivera and laborers with oxen, and a rear allegory of Peace or Abundance with a bronze relief of Fernando Primo de Rivera. The pedestal also includes the Spanish coat of arms and several inscriptions.

Bronze equestrian monument to Primo de Rivera on a tall stone pedestal, with fountains spraying around the base.
The Monument to Primo de Rivera rises above the fountain in a bright outdoor setting.
May 2013 © · CC BY 3.0
Bronze equestrian statue of Primo de Rivera on a stone pedestal in a fountain with arcing water jets.
Monument to Primo de Rivera in a sunny public square, with the bronze horseman statue rising above a fountain.
July 2025 © · CC0
The Monument to Primo de Rivera, a bronze equestrian statue on a stone base within a circular fountain.
The Monument to Primo de Rivera stands in a circular fountain with water spraying around its stone pedestal.
March 2019 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Monument to Primo de Rivera with a bronze horse and rider atop a tall stone pedestal and a winged figure below, with a fountain spraying in front.
The Monument to Primo de Rivera rises above a fountain, topped by a horse and rider and accented by a winged bronze figure.
May 2004 © Mariano Benlliure y Gil · CC BY-SA 2.5
A glass display case showing an aged box, with a Spanish information panel about the Monument to Primo de Rivera time capsule beside it.
Exhibit about the time capsule from the Monument to Primo de Rivera, with the preserved box displayed in a glass case.
October 2024 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleMonument to Primo de Rivera (Jerez)
SubjectMiguel Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja

Location and ownership

LocationJerez de la Frontera, Spain

Historical context

Proposal dateDecember 1923
Proposal contextMade a few months after the September 1923 coup d'état and after the rise of Miguel Primo de Rivera
Proposal approvalUnanimously accepted
Management committee formed1925
FundingPopular subscription

Creator

Equestrian modelA horse from the Princess Hussars Regiment, reportedly used by Benlliure as a model
DesignerMariano Benlliure

History and restoration

Construction start date2 October 1928
Inauguration date29 September 1929
Inauguration attendanceMiguel Primo de Rivera attended the ceremony in person

Physical characteristics

MaterialsBronze relief

Appearance

Left side inscription“the point of victory”
Rear inscription“honoring its heroes”
Rear reliefBronze medallion with the effigy of Fernando Primo de Rivera surrounded by laurel wreaths
Rear figure attributesHolds cereal ears; two cornucopias at her feet
Rear figureAllegory of Peace or Abundance
Front side decorationCoat of arms of Spain
Left side sculptureSculptural ensemble of five Moors working the land with two oxen
Right side inscription“studying the ultimate breakthrough plan”
Right side sculptureSculptural composition showing Primo de Rivera among generals, including Sanjurjo, Despujols, Fernández Pérez, Saro, and Admiral Guerra
Front figure attributesHolds a laurel branch in her right hand and a Pickelhaube helmet under her left arm
Front figureWinged Victory emerging from the front of the pedestal
Front side inscription“to the illustrious jerezano, restorer of order, Miguel Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja, Peacemaker of Morocco and Marquis of Estella. The grateful homeland”

Iconography and meaning

Fernando Primo de RiveraBrother of Miguel Primo de Rivera, who died in combat at Monte Arruit in 1921
Stylistic and iconographic featuresEquestrian commemorative monument with allegorical figures, military scenes, relief sculpture, heraldic imagery, laurel wreaths, and classical symbols of victory and abundance