People Posing in the Park

Maria Luísa Park sprawls with paths for pedestrians, bicyclists, and horse-drawn carriages. Once you get off those main paths, it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a big city. Some days, I share the park with lots of other people — although it never feels crowded. Other days, especially in summer when the temperatures climb, I don't have much company.

The park formerly made up the larger part of the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo (now the Presidential Palace). The grounds soon became an important part of the 1920 Ibero-American Exposition. The Infanta Luísa Fernanda (aka, Maria Luisa, 1832–1897) donated the park to the city of Sevilla in 1893. Maria Luisa was the heir-apparent to the Spanish throne until her sister, Queen Isabella II (obviously not the Isabella who sent Christopher Columbus to America to find Ray Charles), had a daughter in 1848.

MEMORIAL TO MARIA LUISA (1832–1897), THE PARK'S NAMESAKE.

In the past, I've shared photos of some of the gardens, pavilions, museums, ponds, and fountains. This time, I thought I'd introduce you to some of the people — of sorts. The park is filled with memorials (glorietas) and ornamental statues. I've included some of my favorites. Unfortunately, it's between seasonal plantings right now, so the gardens around the monuments were dug up and the gardens were being watered. I've therefore also included some mud along with the marble and bronze. I was tempted to do some cleaning before I took my photos. But then I reminded myself of the adage: "Clean your own house first." I've been doodling in the dust on my desk. So, although I don't think the advice was meant to be taken literally, I restrained myself.

MONUMENT TO THE POET GUSTAVO ADOLFO BÉCQUER WRAPS AROUND A TREE.
INSPIRED BY HIS BOOK, "RIMAS" ("RHYMES") — WITH NEXT THREE PHOTOS.

THE ADULT CUPID LYING STABBED AND DYING.

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE DYING CUPID.
SOMEONE LEFT FLOWERS (FOR BECQUER, NOT FOR POOR CUPID).

THREE YOUNG WOMEN WITH CUPID, AS A CHILD, HURLING ARROWS AT THEM.

The glorietas are dedicated to great and/or famous Spaniards (and an Italian and German or two). I've only shared a small sampling here. Improvements and restorations are always in progress and I hope that continues despite the economic crisis. Not all statues have signage. So, I don't know who a number of these "people" are. But, I figure they must be important. They got solos.

MONUMENT TO LUIS MONTOTO (1851–1929), OFFICIAL CHRONICLER OF THE CITY OF SEVILLA.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THEY GAVE HIM A NAKED LADY.

THE DIVINE DANTE ALIGHIERI.
HE WROTE A S0-CALLED COMEDY, BUT I DIDN'T FIND IT VERY FUNNY.

THE ONE ATOP THE HEAD ON THE LEFT IS A MOURNING DOVE (LIVE). THE OTHERS?

CHIEF ARCHITECT OF IBERO-AMERICAN EXPOSITION,
ANÍBAL CONZÁLEZ ALVAREZ-OSSORIO (1876–1929).
HE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A GRAND NAME TO GO WITH THAT GRAND PROFILE.

A Name to Remember

Following that last photo of the architect, whose grand name so impressed me, I thought I'd end with Maria Luísa's official name (after her marriage to Antoine, Duke of Montpensier). Apparently, she went by Su Alteza Real la Serenísima y Egregia Señora Infanta Doña Luisa Fernanda de Borbón y Borbón, Duquesa de Montepensier (or more simply, Her Royal Highness the Most Serene and Egregious Lady Infanta Doña Luisa Fernanda de Bourbon, Duchess of Montpensier). No wonder they called her Maria Luísa.