Bust of Sava Tekelija represents original work of Jovan Soldatovic, made in bronze. It is located in front of the Matica Srpska. Sava Popovic Tekelija (1761-1842) was a proud descendant of the Serbian manor family and he has done everything to preserve the identity of the Serbian people, who were under the Habsburg Empire. Sava is known as the founder of Tekelianum (1838) – Serbian Institute for the education of students in Budapest and as one of the initiators of the establishment of Matica Srpska.
He was the first life president of Matica Srpska. Moreover, he is considered as a Serbian benefactor because his work encouraged others to do good for the people, not just for themselves. All of his assets he donated to the Matica Srpska before he passed away.
