PLAZA, Nicanor (plah'-thah), Chilian sculptor, born in Santiago in 1844. He entered the academy of sculpture of the University of Chili in 1858, anal in 1863 the government sent him to Europe to study. In 1866 he opened a studio in Paris, where he exhibited his "Susannah," "Hercules," and "Caupolican" in 1867. In 1871 he was appointed director of the Academy of sculpture of Santiago. In that city he executed many works that relate to the history of his country, some of which are erected in the public places of Santiago. In 1872, at the exposition of Santiago, he received a gold medal. In 1874 he was sent to Europe on an artistic mission, and during the first months of his stay there he executed a statue of Andres Belle, which was erected in 1882 in Santiago, in the square of the national congress. He also made a statue of Domingo Eyzaguirre.