Existing comment:
Don Quixote
bronze by Aurelio Teno
gift of Spain, 1976
Although as a young boy Aurelio Teno (1927–2013) studied painting and drawing and went on to learn goldsmithing, he described his Don Quixote sculptures as his "life work" and devoted his career to creating them. Many are displayed in several countries.
One such sculpture stands on the Kennedy Center east lawn. King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain wanted to present a gift to the United States in 1976 to mark the American Bicentennial. In a competition with Salvador Dalí and Jose De Creeft to create a sculptural gift, Teno won.
The 20 ft. stone and bronze Don Quixote depicts Spanish novelist Miguel Cervantes's character in full armor astride his horse. Both are emerging from jagged Colmenar limestone quarried in Spain. Don Quixote wields a 12 ft. steel lance high over his head; his horse, Rocinante, is charging forward with his head raised, mouth open, and hooves kicking. Teno explained that he did not want to conceptualize Don Quixote as a static figure, as in traditional portrayals. He perceived Don Quixote as a rebellious character, one who strove for justice and peace. |