A former Italian culture minister has sparked debate by defending a tourist who engaged in what was described as an “amorous exaltation” with a statue of Bacchus in Florence. The incident, involving a drunk tourist climbing onto the replica statue, has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for stricter penalties for disrespecting Italy’s cultural treasures.
Vittorio Sgarbi, known for his outspoken views, dismissed the woman’s actions as not erotic but rather a “critical act.” He asserted that no real man could rival the allure of the statue of the god of wine and fertility.
However, local sentiments in Florence were far from supportive. Marco Passeri, a former city councillor, questioned the appropriateness of such tourists in Florence, emphasizing the need for respect toward both original and replicated monuments.
Antonella Ranaldi, the city arts superintendent, echoed these concerns, pointing out the ignorance displayed by the tourist regarding the distinction between original artworks and copies.
This incident is not isolated, as recent months have seen similar acts of disrespect toward Florence’s cultural icons. These include a teenager filming himself atop Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and instances of vandalism on landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Michelangelo’s statue of David.
The recurring nature of these incidents has sparked calls for stringent measures akin to the “Singapore model,” advocating tight controls, substantial fines, and zero tolerance for cultural vandalism.
Sgarbi, who himself faced controversy earlier this year, resigned from his position amid allegations related to a stolen painting. He has denied accusations of altering its origins, maintaining his innocence amidst ongoing scrutiny.
The clash over cultural preservation versus tourist behavior continues to simmer, reflecting broader concerns about safeguarding Italy’s rich artistic heritage from acts of disrespect and vandalism.
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