An homage in stone: the monument to Concepción Arenal

The Monument to Concepción Arenal, located in Madrid's Parque del Oeste, is a testament to the life and work of a remarkable woman - Concepción Arenal, a pioneer in jurisprudence and science. Born in 1826, she made significant contributions to the legal and scientific realm of her time. The statue in her honor was a work by José María Palma Burgos, a celebrated artist from Granada, and erected in 1934 via popular subscription. The monument demonstrates a symbiosis of art, law, and science, reflective of Concepción Arenal's diverse interests and accomplishments.

The statue of Concepción Arenal is made of limestone and is dressed in a judicial robe, symbolizing her legal career. An inscription at its base reads: 'concepción arenal. amó la ciencia. consoló el dolor' ('Concepción Arenal. She loved science. She comforted pain'). The unveiling ceremony was attended by many prominent figures, including Niceto Alcalá Zamora (President of the Republic), Vicente Cantos (Minister of Justice), and Clara Campoamor (on behalf of the organizing committee for the erection of the monument).

Despite the monument undergoing damage during the 1936–1939 Civil War, it has been restored and moved to its current location near the Paseo Moret. Today, it stands as a reminder of the life and work of the remarkable Concepción Arenal. The statue is flanked by symbolizations of ideas such as Liberty, Justice, and Forgiveness, further emphasizing her impact on diverse fields. The monument underwent a restoration following the end of the war, directed by José María Palma himself with help from architect Pedro Muguruza. The monument was moved to its current location within the park, near the Paseo Moret, in 1995.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons