The sculpture of San Pedro Claver is located on the corner of the San Pedro Claver Square, in it historic center of Cartagena de Indias, the monument as well as the square share the stage with the Church and the Sanctuary to San Pedro Claver, forming a set of tributes made to highlight the work carried out by the one who proclaimed himself as “The Slave of Slaves” in life.
The Sculpture was made in 1998 with the joint effort of many people who wanted to pay tribute to him. The initiative was originally from the Jesuit fathers of the city, who wanted to solemnly commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Saint Peter in 1980. The idea was endorsed by the government but due to various situations this work could not be carried out. Years later, people who admired the work of this great man revived the idea, until it was successfully completed in 1998.
The sculpture was made by Sculptor Enrique Grau, measures 2.20m with an approximate weight of four tons, made of patinated bronze.
Saint Peter Claver He is considered one of the first defenders of human rights in Latin America. He dedicated his life to the good treatment and defense of black slaves brought from Africa, healing their wounds from the long and inhuman journeys in which they were transported to America, although it was Criticized and labeled infamous in his time, he continued with his pastoral work until the end of his days.
About the Sculptor Enrique Grau
Enrique Grau Araújo is a Colombian Sculptor and Painter. He studied at the Art Students League in New York in the early 1940s and learned painting techniques at the San Marco School of Fine Arts, Florence in the years of 1956. He is recognized as one of the great Colombian artists of the 20th century; exalted for his Amerindian and Afro-Colombian paintings.
