Descubridores Monument

 This is me by the Descubridores Monument in Lisbon Portugal! Built under the rule of the Portuguese dictator Salazar, this is an example of fascist monumental sculpture. It demonstrates Portugal's power through displaying their success in exploration. The man at the head of the figures is Henry the navigator, who helped develop the Caravels (triangular shaped sails that allowed them to tack into the wind so that they could travel to places that were previously unacceptable by boat). All the other figures are important to the history of Portuguese travel and expansion. The most interesting part to me though, is the cross that is at the back of the monument. It not only represents a mast that the caved sail is connected to, It is also a sword. I found this very interesting in the sense that their exploration was really about power, force and might–not just curiosity. It could also show that they believed the backbone to their authority to travel and colonize, was their christianity. I think religion was often used back then to justify a lot of colonization or other acts, especially by fascists.

I believe that this is historically and culturally important because it really did represent the impressiveness of the Portuguese age of discovery. They could travel around the cape of good hope and bring in trade from both Africa, India, and Asia. This brought in new cultures and ideas, but especially new trade. They brought in gold and ivory and slaves. This was so good for commerce, trade, and wealth of Portugal, but it also had terrible effects on Africa that are still problematic today. By memorializing this, Salazar is saying “Look at the might of Portugal” It idealizes their exploration and encourages people to see the greatness and not consider the unethical parts. By choosing to include the cross, it is also showing that it was a “christian endeavor.” This monument inspires a feeling of excitement to explore, but it can also be problematic at the same time.

So of course the question remains, how does this contribute to the city’s status as a cultural capital. Again I would argue that it contributes because it helps us to remember the might of the age of discovery. It shows that Lisbon of today is the result of the influence of international trade, art, and interaction. It has so much culture because it has been interacting and exchanging culture for a very long time. It also shows that Lisbon has influence and is still a contributing member state of Europe. That itself draws people to Lisbon. The sculpture also draws people in to come visit because it is truly a monumental sculpture. It is also well designed artistically and has a lot of movement. People want to see it in person and it brings in tourists. It truly is a very important monument and it definitely gets you thinking.