THE BRONZE OF ABDÓN CALDERÓN. REFLECTIONS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIS IMAGE AND MONUMENT

Reflexiones Sobre la Construcción de su Imagen y Monumento.

Abstract

This article reflects on the fabrication of the image of Abdón Calderón, through the construction of his path as a hero, developed in stories by writers from Cuenca in the 20th century, and his monumental sculpture as an artistic response that materialises his heroic figure at the time. Octavio Cordero's history was taken into consideration, with Vida de Abdón Calderón of 1916, the bulletin of the Calderón Committee of 1928 and 1931, the narrations of Ricardo Márquez and Leyendas del tiempo heroico by Manuel J. Calle of 1905. The aforementioned documentary pieces respond to the need for an official narrative about Abdón Calderón and his heroic deed. As a conclusion, Calderón was favourably received, since at a national level, enthusiastic responses were received in patriotic tones to honour him as Hero of Pichincha.