"Monument to Arthur Walsh Fergusson" by Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure

 

A silent sentinel of colonial legacy, The Monument to Arthur Walsh Fergusson invites viewers to confront the nuanced layers of Philippine history.
The Monument to Arthur Walsh Fergusson is a commanding bronze sculpture crafted in 1912 by renowned Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure. It pays tribute to Fergusson, the first Executive Secretary of the Philippines during the American colonial period, capturing a moment in history through neoclassical artistry. Originally unveiled in 1913 at Plaza Fergusson in Manila, the monument once stood as a symbol of administrative authority and colonial influence. Today, it finds a new home at the Spoliarium Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts, where it evokes reflection rather than reverence. Its relocation transforms it from a colonial landmark into a cultural artifact within a national narrative.

Benlliure, celebrated for his grand public monuments across Spain and Latin America, imbued this work with a sense of dignity and permanence. The monument's fine details and strong form showcase his skill in fusing realism with grandeur, a hallmark of his artistic legacy. As his only known work of this type in the Philippines, it carries rare significance and international resonance. Positioned among works that celebrate Filipino identity, it invites dialogue about memory, power, and historical context. More than a statue, it stands as a sculpted witness to a complex era in the country’s past.



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