The equestrian statue of Dom Pedro I, located in the heart of downtown Rio de Janeiro in Tiradentes Square, is one of the city's most iconic monuments. Since its unveiling in 1862, the statue has been a landmark of historical and cultural significance, honoring the proclaimer of Brazil's independence and the country's first Emperor.
Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph. The image shows a square with a large equestrian statue in the center. On the left, there are two-story buildings with sloped roofs. In the center, the equestrian statue of a man mounted on a horse, with additional human figures at its base. On the right, there is monumental architecture with columns and a decorated pediment. People are walking through the square, and the sky appears cloudy. In the lower right, there is a signature that appears to read "Bancari."Manoel Banchieri. The statue shortly after its unveiling in 1862, prior to the installation of the surrounding fence. National Library.
The statue was initially scheduled to be unveiled on 25 March, 1862, the anniversary of the ratification of the Brazilian Constitution - granted by D. Pedro I himself 38 years earlier. However, heavy rain meant the inauguration was postponed to March 30. It was marked by a grand civic celebration. After all, it was the first public sculpture in the country. The strong public engagement reflects the symbolic importance of D. Pedro I to Brazilians of that era.
The inauguration was also notable as one of the earliest uses of intermittent electricity in the city. The statue was lit up by a beam of electric light emitted from a window of the São Pedro Theater, now the Teatro João Caetano, located next to the square. The electricity was supplied by a pharmacist from Rua da Assembleia, though the exact method used remains unknown.
During the 19th century, the square where the statue stands served as a meeting place for intellectuals, politicians, and the general public, making it a stage for events and public demonstrations. The bustling movement of people brought the area to life, with merchants, soldiers, and street vendors congregating around the statue.
Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph of a park with a central statue. On the left side, we see a series of historic buildings, some with arches and balconies. In the center, there is a large sculpture on display, which appears to depict a figure mounted on a horse. On the right, other historic buildings are arranged in a straight line, with sloped roofs. In the background, there is a hill covered in dense vegetation. In the lower part of the image, we see a balustrade fence that borders the park.Augusto Stahl. Constitution Square, now Tiradentes Square, featuring the equestrian statue of Pedro I, circa 1865. Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Instituto Moreira Salles.
The current Tiradentes Square has been known by several names, including Campo dos Ciganos, Largo do Rocio, and, at the time the monument was built, Constitution Square. The choice of location for the Dom Pedro I statue was no coincidence: the space had always played a central role in the public and political life of the city, hosting civic events and military parades. Over the years, Tiradentes Square has undergone numerous urban transformations, but the statue remains a central feature and a symbol of historical continuity.
Image description: This is an old photograph of a square with a central statue. On the left side, there are tall trees and a bench. In the center, the statue of D. Pedro I is mounted on a horse, with a raised figure beside him. In the background, there are buildings and a mountain. On the right, more trees and people walking. In the foreground, there is a parked carriage and a person walking. The image is in black and white.Marc Ferrez. The statue after the installation of the surrounding fence. Instituto Moreira Salles.
The monument was conceived by Brazilian visual artist João Maximiano Mafra (1823–1908) and executed by French sculptor Louis Rochet (1813–1878). Mafra, who was the secretary of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts (AIBA) at the time, won first place in the competition held by the Academy to select the winning design for the statue. Rochet came third.
Dom Pedro I is depicted wearing a military uniform and mounted on an imposing horse. He is holding the 1824 Constitution in his right hand - a symbol of his authority and influence in shaping the Brazilian state. Rochet, known for his historically significant and realistic works, created the sculpture in Paris, emphasizing the presence of the Emperor with an expression of grandeur. The statue is made of bronze and rests on a pedestal of gneiss stone - used in many other monuments throughout the city.
Image description: The image is an old black-and-white photograph. In the center, there is a monumental statue featuring a rider prominently displayed. The base of the statue is composed of architectural elements and human figures. In the background, there is a metal structure with a glass roof, suggesting that the statue is located inside a pavilion or museum.Micheles. Photographer. Equestrian statue of Dom Pedro I, 1861. Paris, France. FBN Collection. Brasiliana Fotográfica.
The most significant dates of Dom Pedro I's private and political life are engraved on the cast-iron railing: 12 October, 1798 (birth); 6 November, 1817 (marriage to Dona Leopoldina); 9 January, 1822 (Dia do Fico); 13 May, 1822 (appointed Perpetual Defender of Brazil); 12 October, 1822 (proclaimed Emperor of Brazil); 1 December, 1822 (coronation); 25 March, 1824 (ratification of the first Brazilian Constitution); and 17 October, 1829 (marriage to Dona Amélia).
Listed by the State Institute of Cultural Heritage in 1978, the statue was the first monument erected in honor of a political figure, setting a precedent for the creation of similar monuments throughout the country.
Around the pedestal of the statue, indigenous figures, wild animals, and native plants symbolize four Brazilian rivers (Amazonas, Paraná, Madeira, and São Francisco), representing the country´s wealth and diversity. These allegories are symbols of a narrative of unity and territorial integration, reinforcing the role of D. Pedro as the person responsible for ensuring the unity of the country.
The representation of indigenous people reflects, in this sense, an idealized view of Brazil, widely propagated by Romantic Indianism in the 19th century. The indigenous figures, portrayed in a stereotypical and romanticized manner, evoke the concept of the “noble savage,” an idea that had permeated European imagination since the colonial period and was often used to justify the domination and “civilization” of native peoples. In this respect, the monument elevates the figure of Dom Pedro I, relegating indigenous people to the role of supporting characters in the construction of the nation, overlooking the violence and marginalization they suffered throughout the colonization process. It is no coincidence that they are depicted at the feet of Dom Pedro, who is seated high atop his horse.
Image description: The image is a photograph of a monumental statue located in Tiradentes Square. The statue is positioned in the center of the image, with a square base and ornamental details. At the top, there is a figure mounted on a horse, holding a standard. In front of the base are human figures and animals, including a dragon and other mythological beings. In the background, the blue sky is partially covered by white clouds. On the statue's pedestal is inscribed "RIO AMAZONAS."Estela Neto, Wikimedia Commons.
The Dom Pedro I Statue remains a landmark in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Although the square is no longer the epicenter of the city’s political and social activities, its imposing presence is striking and invites passersby to reflect on the image of Dom Pedro I and Brazil’s imperial period. As such, the monument is part of a contested memory, raising questions about how it shapes (or fails to shape) the historical imagination of the population.
Image description: The image shows two logos. On the left side, there is a blue shield with a crown and decorative elements, followed by the text "Rio Prefeitura Turismo" in blue. On the right side, there is a logo with the phrase "Rio Memórias" in orange, inside a square with vertical lines.
