Is it a saint or a friar we see before us? The Statua di San Francesco d’Assisi stands tall in Piazza Risorgimento. It’s a monument to peace and compassion, but its story has a surprising twist. The statue, inaugurated in 1926, commemorates the seventh centenary of St. Francis’s death. The artist, Domenico Trentacoste, generously created the statue free of charge. The over-5-meter-tall bronze figure depicts St. Francis with arms outstretched, blessing the people of Milan. But take a closer look at the face. It’s not the idealized image of a saint you might expect. The sculptor used a real person as his model: Fra Cecilio Maria Cortinovis. This Capuchin friar from the Porta Monforte monastery played a crucial role in the statue’s creation. When Mussolini refused to fund the project, it was Fra Cecilio who took to the streets of Milan. He spent a year tirelessly collecting donations door-to-door, ultimately securing the funds from over 4,200 families. His dedication and perseverance so impressed Trentacoste that he immortalized Fra Cecilio’s likeness in the face of St. Francis. So, as you stand before the Statua di San Francesco d’Assisi, remember the hidden face of generosity and determination that lies beneath the bronze. It’s a testament to the power of one man’s commitment to honoring a saint and his message of peace.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to