In the heart of Seville’s San Jerónimo Park stands a monument that not only dominates the city’s skyline but also holds a special place in Spain’s rich tapestry of history and art. Known as El Nacimiento del Hombre Nuevo or “The Birth of the New Man”, this towering bronze statue is popularly referred to as the “Huevo de Colón” or “Columbus’s Egg”. This name, intriguing as it may sound, is deeply rooted in a legend that intertwines with the very essence of the monument.
The Grandeur of Spain’s largest statue
Gifted by Russia to Seville for the 1992 Universal Exposition, this masterpiece was crafted by the renowned artist Zurab Tsereteli, the current president of the Academy of Arts of Russia. The statue, with its impressive height of 45 meters (or 32 meters if you exclude the enveloping egg structure), is not just the crown jewel of the park but also stands as Spain’s tallest statue. Weighing approximately 500 tons, it took nearly nine months to assemble this colossal bronze marvel.
The statue depicts the legendary explorer, Christopher Columbus, holding a map of the ocean, with the three caravels from his iconic voyage to America. However, over the years, the monument has faced its share of trials. Since its inauguration in October 1995, it has been subjected to continuous plundering, with many of its bronze plates missing, altering its original appearance.
The legend of Columbus’s egg
The oval shape encapsulating Columbus isn’t a mere artistic choice. It’s deeply rooted in a tale that dates back to Columbus’s return to Spain after his groundbreaking voyage. As the story goes, during a banquet hosted by Cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza, some guests questioned the uniqueness of Columbus’s achievement, arguing that anyone with some skill could have embarked on a similar journey.
In response, Columbus presented a challenge. He placed an egg on the table, asking if anyone could make it stand upright without any support. After numerous failed attempts, Columbus simply tapped the egg, flattening its base, and it stood upright. The message was clear: some tasks might seem simple in hindsight, but it takes a visionary to accomplish them first.
This legend not only gives the statue its popular name but also encapsulates the essence of Columbus’s journey and the spirit of discovery. While the tale might be a blend of fact and fiction, it serves as a poignant reminder of the audacity of those who dare to tread uncharted waters.
La portavoz de Vox en el Ayuntamiento de Sevilla, Cristina Peláez, ha lamentado este sábado “el desmantelamiento a cámara lenta” del monumento El Nacimiento del Hombre Nuevo, obra del escultor ruso-georgiano Zurab Tseretelli, donado por el Ayuntamiento de Moscú a la capital andaluza y enclavado en el parque de San Jerónimo; como consecuencia del vandalismo.
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Seville’s El Nacimiento del Hombre Nuevo is more than just a towering bronze structure. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, the spirit of exploration, and the timeless tales that shape our collective history. As visitors gaze up at this monumental tribute, they’re not just witnessing Spain’s largest statue but also a piece of history that continues to inspire generations. In the words of the Real Academia Española, it’s a reminder that some things might seem challenging until we discover the trick behind them. And for that, someone must always take the first step.
