Pedro Linares is a sculpture that has captivated and perplexed people for centuries. Born in the 16th century, Linares is best known for his effigy man, which is made from a human head that has been skinned and stretched over a wooden skeleton. Linares’s work is both haunting and beautiful, and it has inspired artists of all kinds. In this blog post, we will explore the story behind Pedro Linares’s effigy man and how it continues to intrigue and fascinate people today.
Who is Pedro Linares?
Pedro Linares is a forty-year old man from the municipality of La Plata, in the province of Buenos Aires. He has a mental illness that causes him to see people and animals as enemies. Linares has attacked and killed at least thirteen people since 2009.
Linares became known as “el effigy man” after he began attacking people with rocks and sticks, inflicting injuries that left them with permanent disabilities. In March 2017, Linares was found guilty of eight counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The Story of the Pedro Linares Effigy
The story of Pedro Linares‘ effigy is one that is both tragic and heartwarming. The effigy, which stands approximately six feet tall and is made of fiberglass, was created in honor of Pedro Linares, a 14-year-old who was killed in a automobile accident in 1997. His death left his family deeply mourning and his friends trying to come up with a way to commemorate him.
After much deliberation, they decided to build an effigy in his likeness, and placed it on the side of the road where he was killed. The effigy quickly became a popular tourist attraction, as drivers would stop to take pictures or leave flowers at its feet.
Sadly, less than two years after it was erected, the Pedro Linares Effigy was destroyed in a tornado. Though the damage was extensive, it was ultimately repaired and has since been rebuilt twice more – most recently in 2014. It serves as an important reminder of the tragedy that befell Pedro Linares and his loved ones, but also as a testament to their resilience and strength during such a difficult time.
Why is the Effigy Man Important?
The Effigy Man, or Moai as he is more commonly known, is one of the most important figures in Easter Island culture. He is thought to represent the god Rongo, and his image has been preserved for centuries.
Some believe that the Effigy Man was created to represent a long line of leaders and ancestors, while others believe that he was simply a symbolic representation of a loved one who had passed away. Whatever the case may be, the Effigy Man is an important part of Easter Island culture and his story deserves to be told.
How to Visit the Pedro Linares Museum?
If you’re a fan of sculpture, then you need to visit Pedro Linares Museum. The museum is home to a vast collection of sculptures by the renowned Spanish sculptor, Pedro Linares. The collection spans over fifty years and includes works in a variety of different mediums, including bronze, clay, marble, and stone.
Some of Linares’ most famous sculptures include the effigy man (also known as El Hombre de la Plata) and the virgin statues. The effigy man is a life-sized statue made out of bronze that perfectly captures the essence of human mortality. The virgin statues are two sublimely beautiful statues made out of marble that depict the Virgin Mary as a young girl and an older woman.
The Pedro Linares Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Admission costs €5 for adults and €3 for students and seniors, and there is free admission on Monday.
