The sculpture "The Man and His Passions," created by Argentine artist César Santiano in 1912, has gone through an interesting journey to become an emblematic piece of Plaza Balcarce, located in the Núñez neighborhood. This work represents the internal struggle of human beings against their emotions and desires, depicting a man in tension, symbolizing the constant battle between reason and the passions that dominate him.
Santiano, born in Buenos Aires in 1886, was a versatile artist who ventured into athletics and worked in circuses before dedicating himself entirely to sculpture. He passed away in Turin on November 11, 1919, at the age of just 33, leaving an important artistic legacy in the city.
The work "The Man and His Passions" invites visitors to reflect on human nature and the internal struggles we all face. Originally located in Plaza Arenales in Villa Devoto, it was later moved to Plaza Balcarce, where it currently resides. This plaza is a green space with various facilities, such as a carousel, children's playgrounds, and a green point for recycling.
Among Santiano's most notable sculptures are "The Wounded Gladiator" in Plaza España and the statue of General Bartolomé Mitre in Plaza Mitre in Mar del Plata. The artist gained international recognition for his talent, being awarded at the National Salon of Paris in 1913.
Despite being removed from Plaza Arenales in 1927 due to criticisms from a group of neighbors, "The Man and His Passions" has managed to find its place in Plaza Balcarce, where it continues to be a symbol of the internal struggle of human beings and their constant battle between reason and passions.
