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Antonio Maceo Monument, Havana

The Antonio Maceo monument is a bronze statue made in 1916 by the Italian sculptor Doménico Boni. It is located in the San Lázaro neighborhood of Havana, between the Malecón and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The monument stands near a historically important corner close to the sea, at the intersection of Belascoaín and San Lázaro, an area associated with early city institutions and landmarks. The source text notes that the monument was placed in 1916, but the park around it was not built, and some voices protested, calling for a greater tribute to Antonio Maceo.

Antonio Maceo Monument with a bronze equestrian statue on a tall stone base decorated with bronze reliefs and figures.
The Antonio Maceo Monument in Havana features a bronze equestrian statue atop a richly decorated stone pedestal.
October 2018 © · CC BY 4.0
Antonio Maceo Monument with an equestrian statue on a tall white pedestal, a high-rise building and Cuban flag behind it.
The Antonio Maceo Monument rises on a tall pedestal in Havana, with a modern building and Cuban flag in the background.
© · Public domain
Antonio Maceo Monument with a bronze equestrian statue atop a decorated stone base and reliefs.
The Antonio Maceo Monument rises above Havana, with a bronze equestrian figure atop its ornate stone base.
May 2007 © · CC BY 2.0
Antonio Maceo Monument with bronze figures and an equestrian statue at the top, with a Cuban flag and the sea behind it.
The Antonio Maceo Monument rises along Havana’s Malecón, topped by an equestrian figure and surrounded by bronze sculptures.
December 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Detail of the Antonio Maceo Monument showing a seated bronze figure in a pensive pose against a carved stone backdrop.
Detail of the Antonio Maceo Monument in Havana, featuring a seated bronze figure posed thoughtfully against a carved stone background.
© · Public domain

Identification

TypeMonument
TitleAntonio Maceo monument

Historical context

Date1916

Creator

SculptorDoménico Boni
Sculptor nationalityItalian

Materials

MaterialBronze

Iconography and meaning

Person commemorated's roleDistinguished Cuban military leader
Historical significance of commemorated personPlayed a fundamental role in leading Cuban troops that formed the Mambí Army
Person commemorated's life focusSpent most of his life fighting for the independence of Cuba
Conflicts associated with commemorated personTen Years' War (1868–1878); Necessary War (1895–1898)
Person commemorated's nationalityCuban
Person commemorated's rankMajor General
Person commemoratedAntonio Maceo Grajales
DedicationDedicated to the memory of Major General Antonio Maceo Grajales (1845–1896)
SubjectMajor General Antonio Maceo Grajales

Location and ownership

Associated parkAntonio Maceo Park
Associated urban areaBarrio San Lázaro, near Cayo Hueso
Nearby geographic featureNear the sea and immediately north of the Caleta de San Lázaro
Nearby institutionIn front of La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad
Nearby landmarkNear the site formerly occupied by the Batería de la Reina (1861)
Specific locationBetween the Malecón and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital
LocationAt the intersection of Belascoaín and San Lázaro, San Lázaro neighborhood, Havana, Cuba

History and restoration

Placement date1916
Construction statusThe park was not built when the monument was placed; it was built later
Public reactionThe placement prompted many voices to protest and demand a greater tribute to Antonio Maceo
Historical noteShown in a 1919 image during the hurricane at La Casa de Beneficencia y Maternidad de La Habana
Historical noteShown in a 1957 image of the Cuban Grand Prix with La Casa de Beneficencia and Antonio Maceo Park
Historical noteShown in an image of neon signs on Calle Belascoaín as seen from Antonio Maceo Park