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REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – It was a typical day at 500 County Center as government employees and members of the public streamed out for lunch.

The Angel of Independence greeted them upon their return.

Artist Fernando Escartiz with his replica of the Angel of Independence in the lobby of 500 County Center.

The golden-winged figure is a newly built replica of the famed monument that towers above Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, 2,000 miles away. The original sculpture was created by Italian artist Enrique Alciati for the monument inaugurated in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence.

More than a century later, Redwood City artist Fernando Escartiz and his team created this version for a Mexican Independence Day celebration at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza.

Standing in the lobby of San Mateo County’s seat of government, Escartiz stepped back to take it all in. 

“It’s perfect,” Escartiz said. “The height and everything.” 

He had reason to wonder.

The replica was designed to stand outdoors at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, where it had to be strong enough to withstand the wind while being light enough to move. Escartiz and his team used aluminum, wood and Styrofoam for the figure and built a heavy base to hold it in place.

Following the festivities in San Francisco, the replica returned to Escartiz’s Redwood City studio. But a connection with Casa Circulo Cultural, a Redwood City nonprofit where Escartiz serves as a creative consultant, brought the replica to 500 County Center.

Walter Vail, left, and artist Fernando Escartiz carry the replica Angel of Independence outside 500 County Center.

Now it had to make it through a set of double doors and fit its new space.

The answer came in pieces. The crew installed the base and pedestal. Then Escartiz and his team, Walter Vail and Edwin Vasquez, climbed a mobile scaffold and ladder outside the Board of Supervisors Chambers. Together, they lifted the golden figure by hand and placed it atop its pedestal.

“This piece is very famous in Mexico,” Escartiz said. “It represents for me that we have to remember we need liberty for all people, for human rights, for everything. It’s not only right now for Mexicans, for everybody, for all the community.”

The sculpture’s arrival at County Center coincided with Latine Heritage Month.

"As the mother of a half Guatemalan-American, half Mexican-American son, learning the history and inspiration of this piece has filled us with great pride,” said Noelia Corzo, President of the Board of Supervisors.

“This Latine Heritage Month, I invite all county residents to County Center to enjoy this beautiful, colossal artwork. Come learn about Mexico’s history of advocacy for human rights, its fight for freedom from colonization, and its cultural pride," Corzo said.

Despite its familiar name, the Angel of Independence isn’t actually an angel.

The figure is a Winged Victory inspired by Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. She holds a laurel crown in one hand and a broken chain in the other, representing the end of 300 years of Spanish rule.  

The Angel of Independence holds a broken chain, a symbol of the end of Spanish rule.

The monument above Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City has become one of the capital's most recognizable landmarks — and a gathering place for celebrations and demonstrations. 

For now, Escartiz’s replica is on loan to the County of San Mateo. 

“People come to County Center for all sorts of reasons. Putting art in a place like this gives visitors the chance to encounter something they weren’t expecting,” said Aimee Shapiro, the County’s Director of the Office of Arts and Culture. “The Angel of Independence by San Mateo County artist Fernando Escartiz is a powerful symbol of Mexican pride and culture. It’s a work that is meaningful to many people and helps us imagine a future when all of our communities can feel safe, respected and free.”

It’s available for viewing – and selfies – from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of 500 County Center, Redwood City.

About San Mateo County
Established in 1856, the County of San Mateo stretches from the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay and includes 20 cities and rural communities. Home to more than 750,000 residents, it is one of California’s most diverse counties with an economy driven by innovation, life sciences, agriculture and international trade and travel. In addition to serving unincorporated communities, the County provides countywide services that support the health, safety and quality of life of residents. Learn more at smcgov.org.