缅北禁地

Bust of Padre Francisco de Vitoria, UNNY010G, 1976, Spain
Title

Bust of Padre Francisco de Vitoria

Gift ID: 
UNNY010G

Francisco de Vitoria (1483/6 – 1546) was a Spanish Roman Catholic philosopher, theologian and jurist of Renaissance Spain. He is noted for his significant contributions to 'Just War Theory' by presenting criteria for a justifiable war, and to international law. He has been referred to by some scholars as the “father of international law.”

This bust was created by artist Francisco Toledo Sanchez (1940 – 2019). Sanchez was a Mexican Zapotec artist and promoted the artistic culture and heritage of his home, Oaxaca, Mexico.  He became an important contemporary artist and worked in many formats including painting, ceramics, textiles, prints, sculpture, photography and mixed media. 

The bust was presented to the United Nations on June 4th, 1976 by King Juan Carlos of Spain. Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim accepted the gift and stated: “It is fitting that the sculpture of one of the fathers of international law should be displayed in the United Nations Headquarters. Indeed, it will constantly remind us of the Preamble of the Charter in which the peoples of the United Nations expressed their determination to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from international law can be maintained.” 

Donor Region: 
Western European and Other Groups
Donor: 
Spain
Classification: 
Sculpture
Materials: 
Bronze
Medium: 
Cast bronze on granite pedestal
Location (Building): 
Exterior Ground
Donation Date: 
June 4, 1976
Artist or Maker: 
Francisco Toledo Sanchez
Dimensions: 
H: 2'7" x W: 2'9" x D: 1'4"