Fashion, Florence, And Ferragamo
The restoration project announced today during a press conference at Palazzo Vecchio will encompass the large sculpture groups in Piazza della Signoria and the bronze statue of David in Piazzale Michelangelo and was made possible by Salvatore Ferragamo donation of €1.093.750 over three years (2019-2021) as part of the government’s Art Bonus tax credit program.
A leading luxury brand, the Florentine fashion house has, since it first began, always interacted with the world of art and culture. Over time, this relationship has thrived on the company’s generous patronage of the arts, as it aims to promote culture and safeguard the artistic heritage of Italy, and Florence in particular. Indeed, its endeavours in this respect have included the establishment of Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, which often shows artwork from Florentine museums and hosts a wide range of cultural and educational initiatives organised by Fondazione Ferragamo, in addition to support for Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the funding of significant restoration projects like the allegorical sculptures on Ponte Santa Trinita in 1996, the Column of Justice in Piazza Santa Trinita in 1998, eight halls in the Uffizi Gallery in 2015 and, more recently, the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria.
This latest agreement is for the restoration of the equestrian statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici del Giambologna in Piazza della Signoria, the statues of Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli and the copy of Michelangelo’s David standing at the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio, Judith and Holofernes in front of Palazzo Vecchio and the bronze copy of David in Piazzale Michelangelo.
“We are truly delighted that the Ferragamo fashion house cares so deeply about our artistic heritage and intends to remain by our side for yet another restoration, in an expression of its insight, sensitivity and love for the city. Following the recent inauguration of Ammannati’s stunning fountain after its meticulous restoration, and now with this project, we will see Piazza Signoria completely renewed and our most beloved statues restored to their former glory.”
“Our company has always recognized the strong bond between fashion and art: since he founded his business, my father Salvatore understood the close relationship between these two worlds in terms of research and creativity. Over the course of his career, he found inspiration and brilliant new ideas in the various expressions of art. This relationship with art, with the city of Florence and with all of its surrounding area has always been in our DNA and our decision to support the restoration is a way for us to continue on the course that my mother and father first charted. The value of Italy’s artistic heritage is immeasurable, and I firmly believe that safeguarding it is not only a priority, but a duty for all of us.”