Y se hizo la imagen del héroe nacional costarricense… Iconografía emblemática de Juan Santamaria.

Abstract

This article presents an iconographic reading (interpretation) of Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaría. It examines two types of visual representation: the bronze statue of Juan Santamaría as a soldier, designed by the French sculptor, Aristide Onésime Croisy (1840-1899); and the oil painting, La Quema del Mesón, by the Costa Rican artist, Enrique Echandi Montero (1866-1959).

Keywords

• Juan Santamaría
• 1831-1856
• National Hero
• Iconography
• Representations
• National Imaginary
• Costa Rica
• History.