On 28 October 1886, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York, perhaps the most emblematic monument of the American city and possibly one of the most recognisable in the world.
It was a gift from France to the United States to mark the 100th anniversary of the declaration of independence and at the same time to celebrate the abolition of slavery by the Americans.
Numerous French and American architects and engineers, including Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the famous Eiffel Tower, were involved in the construction of the sculpture, which took more than 20 years.
The Statue of Liberty is made of copper and steel, and it is precisely because of the oxidation of the copper that it has such a characteristic greenish appearance. It represents Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom of speech and political freedom.
It was built in France and transported in pieces to the United States. A total of 350 pieces were assembled one by one on arrival in New York and placed on a small island at the mouth of the Hudson River, facing in the direction of France.
The torch held by the goddess Libertas in her right hand is a symbol of freedom and at night it is lit and serves as a beacon for ships sailing in the area.The crown she wears symbolises the sun's rays dispersing into the seas and oceans. In her hand she holds a kind of tablet on which is inscribed the date of the independence of the United States, and at the feet of the goddess are broken chains in allusion to the abolition of slavery.
References:
https://www.allianz-assistance.es/blog/viajes/que-representa-la-estatua-de-la-libertad.html
https://www.elconfidencial.com/viajes/2022-02-12/estatua-libertad-nueva-york_3371750/
Image Source:
https://queverenelmundo.com/que-ver-en-estados-unidos/guia-de-nueva-york/que-ver-y-hacer-en-nueva-york/estatua-de-la-libertad/
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