Author Description

A first retrospective exhibition and the present monographic book confirm the transcendent importance of artist Nicanor Plaza (b. Santiago, Chile 1844 - d. Italy 1913) as father of Chilean sculpture. Author Pedro Zamorano condemns the scarce recognition and valuation of his artistic legacy and the looting of the patrimony he left behind "We see his works destroyed or nearly abandoned, as the graves of the doctor Cademártori in Talca, or the tombs of the Castellón family, in Conception". The book rescues the work and academic legacy of the first professor of sculpture of the Universidad de Chile, who promoted in the early 20th century the development of sculptural art in public spaces. Despite his important artistic, cultural and urban contributions, Plaza died alone and forgotten in Florence. The major effort includes sculpture found in public spaces and in major collections such as the same MNBA, the National History Museum, the Cathedral Santiago, the Municipal Theatre and the Equestrian Club.