Monumental 4.2-meter bronze equestrian sculpture honoring the Father of the Cuban Nation.
Artista
Uldis López — Master Founder
Latvian master sculptor based in Cuba, specialized in monumental and figurative sculpture with over 40 years of experience. His works are found in public spaces throughout Cuba and other Latin American countries.
Recognized for his ability to capture historical dignity and dramatic expression in monumental bronze sculptures
Historia del Proyecto
Project History
The equestrian monument to Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Father of the Cuban Nation, represents one of R.U.N. Art Foundry’s most significant technical achievements in the field of monumental bronze sculpture. Standing 4.2 meters tall and weighing 3,500 kilograms of cast bronze, this work not only honors the memory of the hero who proclaimed Cuba’s independence in 1868, but demonstrates the foundry’s capacity to execute projects of maximum technical complexity and symbolic weight.
The project was conceived by Uldis López with a clear vision: to represent not only the historical figure of Céspedes, but the energy and movement of the decisive moment when he proclaimed independence. The horse, in an elevated walking position (levade), conveys nobility and strength. The figure of Céspedes, upright and confident, projects determination and hope.
The composition demanded exhaustive anatomical study. Every muscle of the horse, every fold in Céspedes’ uniform, every facial expression had to convey historical authenticity and monumental dignity. López worked for months on the original 60 cm model, refining proportions and balances until achieving a composition that could be read visually from any angle.
R.U.N. Art Foundry assumed total responsibility for transforming the sculptural model into a monumental work that could withstand decades of outdoor exposure in the tropical climate of Bayamo. The project extended over 14 months, with continuous artist verification at each critical phase.
Today, the monument stands in the main square of Bayamo (Céspedes Park), where thousands of people pass daily before this work. The sculpture has withstood hurricanes, intense tropical sun, and high humidity without significant deterioration, demonstrating the quality of materials and processes applied. (S2) (S3)
Especificaciones Técnicas
- Materials: Silicon bronze Cu-Sn (88-10-2) with high corrosion resistance, internal 316L stainless steel system
- Dimensions: 4.2 m (height) × 2.8 m (width) × 3.5 m (depth)
- Weight: 3,500 kg total
- Year: 2018 (14 months production)
- Location: Main square (Céspedes Park), Bayamo, Granma, Cuba
- Method: Traditional lost-wax casting with 12 main sections
