It was a breezy, rain-spattered day in San Francisco. We were on a tourist’s trek to the Golden Gate Park. And within ten minutes, my mind was completely cracked open.
I happened on the statue of Cervantes near the entrance to the park. It showed me that one statue, properly conceived and executed, is as effective as a book at sparking profound thoughts. (Photo from sandstead.com website)
The piece is simple. On a high rock, a bust of Cervantes looks down on the kneeling figures of Don Quixote and Pancho Sanza, who are looking up at him. They are obviously paying honor to their creator. Just that. Just everything in the world about creator and creation. The jumping off place for every speculation about god and man and man and his creations. After this, there was nothing more to say on the topic. And all of this without a word. All of this with no text, no exposition, no guidebook needed.
Today, as I was researching this piece, I was further amazed. The piece was placed in 1916, given to the city by two Spanish residents of the city. It was created by Joe Mora, an Uruguayan immigrant who was a former illustrator for Boston newspapers. It was not a late 20th century construct. It was not a slick, hip postmodern piece. Somnehow, I was even more touched knowing this was a remnant of a Lost Generation artist.
11:24:39 AM 
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