The Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue, located at the north entrance of Battery Park, New York City, stands as a tribute to one of the most influential explorers of the 16th century. Cast in bronze by renowned sculptor Ettore Ximenes in 1909, this monument celebrates Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European to enter New York Harbor in 1524. As one of the greatest navigators of his time, Verrazzano’s contributions to exploration paved the way for further expeditions that would shape the modern map of North America.
Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue, Battery Park
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This heroic sculpture of Italian explorer and navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano (c. 1485-1528) is by Ettore Ximenes (1855–1926) and was dedicated October 9, 1909. Source: nycgovparks.org |
The Life of Giovanni da Verrazzano: Explorer of New Worlds
Giovanni da Verrazzano (Wikipedia) was born in 1485 to a noble family in Val di Greve, near Florence, Italy. As a young man, he moved to Dieppe, France, where he began a career in navigation. By 1523, with the support of the French King François I and several prominent Florentine bankers, Verrazzano embarked on his most famous voyage aboard the ship Dauphine. His goal: to discover a westward route to the Pacific Ocean and Far East.In 1524, Verrazzano became the first European to explore the Atlantic coastline of what is now the United States and Canada, recording valuable geographic information about the region. His most significant discovery was New York Harbor, where he sighted “a very agreeable site located between two hills, between which flowed to the sea a very great river.” This description of what is now New York Bay marked the beginning of European exploration of the region.
Although Verrazzano failed to find a northwest passage to Asia, his voyages contributed vital information to future explorers like Henry Hudson, whose journeys would further open up North America to European colonization.
The Historical Significance of Verrazzano’s Explorations
Verrazzano’s discovery of New York Harbor was a key moment in world history. His voyages were instrumental in expanding the European understanding of the New World and laid the groundwork for the establishment of New York as a major trading hub centuries later. His reports, compiled in the Cellere Codes, played an important role in guiding future explorations of the North American coast.Following his first successful voyage, Verrazzano continued his search for new routes. In 1527, on his second expedition, he explored more of the Atlantic coastline but failed to find a westward route to Asia. His third and final voyage in 1528 took him to the Caribbean, where he was tragically killed by native inhabitants on one of the islands. Despite his untimely death, Verrazzano’s impact on exploration endures, particularly in New York City, where both this statue and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge commemorate his legacy.
The Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue: A Monument of Exploration and Discovery
The Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue was commissioned in 1909 as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration, marking the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of the Hudson River and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s steamboat innovations. The statue was funded through public subscriptions organized by Carlo Barsotti, editor of the Italian-language newspaper Il Progresso. This monument was a way for the Italian-American community to honor one of their own who had made a lasting contribution to world exploration.The statue features a larger-than-life bronze bust of Verrazzano, symbolizing his courage and pioneering spirit. He gazes out over Battery Park, a fitting location for the monument, given Verrazzano’s historical connection to New York Harbor. The bronze bust rests atop a granite pedestal, adorned with an elegant female allegorical figure, also cast in bronze, representing discovery. This juxtaposition of human and allegorical elements celebrates both the man and the ideals he represents: exploration, courage, and the thirst for knowledge.
- Sculptor: Ettore Ximenes
- Materials: Bronze (bust and allegorical figure); Deer Isle granite (pedestal)
- Dimensions: Verrazzano bust: 5 feet tall; allegorical figure: 9 feet tall; total monument height: 27 feet
- Foundry: Roman Bronze Works, New York
- Dedicated: October 9, 1909
- Donor: The work was donated by artist Ettore Ximenes, with public subscriptions organized by Carlo Barsotti.
Visiting the Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue
Visitors to Battery Park can view the Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue along the north entrance pathway. The monument stands tall amidst lush greenery, offering a peaceful spot for reflection in one of New York City’s busiest parks. The statue is part of a rich collection of historical monuments in the park, including tributes to other great explorers and heroes of American history.For those interested in history, the statue provides a tangible connection to the early days of New York’s exploration and settlement. It is also a reminder of the critical role that Italian explorers, such as Verrazzano, played in shaping the history of the Americas.
Cultural Significance and the Italian-American Legacy
The statue is more than just a monument to one explorer—it symbolizes the contributions of Italian-Americans to the rich cultural and historical fabric of New York City. At the time of its unveiling, the Italian community in New York was growing rapidly, and the monument was a source of pride for many. It also served as a reminder of Italy’s long and significant role in global exploration.In addition to the statue, Verrazzano’s name is honored through the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Brooklyn and Staten Island and is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. These memorials ensure that Verrazzano’s contributions will not be forgotten, reminding future generations of the role he played in opening the New World to exploration and trade.
Conclusion:
The Giovanni da Verrazzano Statue is a striking and symbolic tribute to one of history’s great explorers. Situated in Battery Park, it offers visitors a moment of reflection on the bold voyages that shaped the course of history. Whether you're a local New Yorker or a visitor from afar, taking the time to appreciate this statue offers a deeper understanding of the city’s historical roots and its connections to the wider world.For more information on the statue or its history, visitors can contact the Art & Antiquities Department at (212) 360-8163.