Monumento al Duca D’Aosta

Did the imposing figure before you, the Monumento al Duca D’Aosta, always stand here so serenely? No. Its journey to this spot in Trieste’s Miramare Park was as complex as the man it honors. This bronze monument, sculpted by Marcello Mascherini, depicts Duke Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta, a prominent figure in Italian history, renowned for his command during World War I. The Monumento al Duca D’Aosta was inaugurated here on November 7, 1971, with Duchess Anna di Savoia-Aosta in attendance. Mascherini’s style uniquely blends figurative art with abstract influences. The statue captures the Duke in his military uniform, standing erect, hands clasped before him. This pose, taken from a 1941 portrait Mascherini made, conveys strength and resolve. The portrait was placed in the Trieste Assicurazioni Generali headquarters on the 30th anniversary of Amedeo’s death in Nairobi on March 3, 1942. Interestingly, the Monumento al Duca D’Aosta wasn’t Mascherini’s first attempt at capturing the Duke. A bronze bozzetto, a preliminary model for the monument, precedes this final work. This smaller sculpture, also in bronze, remained within the Mascherini family until 2024. It was then generously donated to the University of Trieste by Nerina Pancino, coinciding with the university’s centenary. This bozzetto offers a fascinating glimpse into Mascherini’s creative process. It was even featured in the exhibition “1924-2024 – A Century of History of the University of Trieste,” held at the Bastione Fiorito of San Giusto Castle. The Monumento al Duca D’Aosta stands as a testament to a complex historical figure, brought to life by a remarkable artist. Its presence in Miramare Park adds another layer of intrigue to this beautiful location.