Sunday, January 11, 2009

Four Moors

Four Moors, Quattro Mori, monument, LivornoThis is the oldest and most popular monument in Livorno, celebrating a victory of the Medici over the pirates who roamed the Mediterranean.Four Moors, Quattro Mori, monument, LivornoThe statue of Ferdinando I was sculpted in Carrara marble by the florentine Giovanni Bandini in 1595 but placed on its plinth only in 1617, under the rule of his son Cosimo II.Four Moors, Quattro Mori, monument, LivornoThe “Quattro Mori” (Four Moors), by Pietro Tacca from Carrara, were added later, in couples, between 1623 and 1626. The artist used two real prisoners as models, rewarded with freedom at the end of the pose.Four Moors, Quattro Mori, monument, LivornoTo make way for a new road, in 1861 the monument was moved back 20 meters to its present position facing the Darsena (the oldest part of the port).Four Moors, Quattro Mori, monument, LivornoDuring the last war the statues were transported for safekeeping to the countryside, to protect them from the Allied air raids.
(Updated February 2010)

3 comments:

Walker said...

Interesting statue, thanks.

Dina said...

All are dramatic photos and facts, but the last one is extra special.

EG CameraGirl said...

This is an amazing sculpture.