NAPLES
“Venus in Rags”: Sculpture by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto destroyed in fire
The sculpture “Venus in Rags” by Michelangelo Pistoletto in flames
© Vigili del fuoco / DPA
Michelangelo Pistoletto’s sculpture “Venus in Rags” was completely destroyed in a fire in Naples. According to the police, arson cannot be ruled out.
The sculpture ‘Venus in Rags’ by contemporary Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto is caught in a fire Naples destroyed. The fire in the sculpture in the center of the southern Italian port city broke out on Wednesday in the early hours of the morning, according to the fire brigade. As could be seen from photos and videos, only the metal frame of the sculpture remained after the fire – the Venus melted, and the rags burned completely.
“Venus in Rags”: Sculpture by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto in Naples destroyed in fire
The art installation originally depicted the Roman goddess Venus gazing at a large pile of colorful rags. According to Pistoletto, the beauty of Venus is meant to be contrasted with the ugliness and brutality of “ragged life”. There are several versions of the sculpture. The large-format version in Naples was installed in the central Piazza Municipio at the end of June.
The cause of the fire was initially unclear. However, according to Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, arson cannot be ruled out. Pistoletto himself was dismayed by the fire. The newspaper La Repubblica quoted him as saying that ignorance had shown its worst side.
The 90-year-old Pistoletto is considered the best-known representative of Italian Arte Povera, “poor art”. His aim is to connect art, society and everyday life. Pistoletto took part in the documenta in Kassel several times. In 2003, the Venice Biennale awarded him the Golden Lion for his life’s work.