A bronze bust of Cuban national hero Jose Marti sits on a sandstone plinth.
Artist: Unknown
Artwork description
The bust of Cuban national hero Jose Marti is made from bronze and stands on a sandstone plinth 1.5m high.
It is one of a series of busts of famous Latin American heroes displayed at Ibero American Plaza. The series on Chalmers Street commemorates the contribution of Spanish and Portuguese speaking people to the history of Australia.
Jose Marti was born on 28 January 1853 in Havana, Cuba. He died on 19 May 1895.
He is regarded as a Cuban national hero for fighting for Cuban independence. He was also a poet and journalist.
Commission
In a letter dated 10 July 1991 the consul-general for Cuba advised that the Cuban community of Sydney wished to present a bust of the Cuban national hero, Jose Marti, for installation at the Ibero American Plaza.
The bust was unveiled in early October 1991.
Inscription
A plaque on the sandstone plinth reads:
Jose Marti (1853-1895)
National hero of the Republic of Cuba.
Teacher, Journalist, politician, writer and poet. Inspired the Moncada Barracks attack of July 26, 1953. Jose Marti embodied the dream and struggle for a unified Latin America. Died fighting for Cuban Independence on May 19, 1895.
National hero of the Republic of Cuba.
Teacher, Journalist, politician, writer and poet. Inspired the Moncada Barracks attack of July 26, 1953. Jose Marti embodied the dream and struggle for a unified Latin America. Died fighting for Cuban Independence on May 19, 1895.
