PIETRO TACCA
Pietro Tacca (1577-1640) was an Italian sculptor who was the chief pupil and follower of Giambologna. After inheriting the studio from Giambologna, Tacca became court sculptor to the Medici grand dukes and played a critical role in maintaining the preeminence of Florence as the center for bronze casting in Europe during his lifetime.
His well-known works of art include the Four Moors of Livorno, The Fountain, Equestrien Monument to Philip IV, and the Porcellino-the wild boar fountain in Florence.
Dimensions: 50.39" H x 65.75 " W x 72.44 " D
Medium: Bronze
Edition: 12/24
Signed on base
Il Porcellino (Italian for, "Piglet) is the nickname for the Bronze Boar Fountain that is currently located in Florence, Italy. The present statue is a modern copy, cast in 1998 by Ferdinando Marinelli Artistic Foundry and replaced in 2008, while Tacca's bronze is sheltered in the new Museo Stefano Bardini in Palazzo Mozzi. Visitors to Il Porcellino put a coin into the boar's gaping jaws, with the intent to let it fall through the underlying grating for good luck, and they rub the boar's snout to ensure a return to Florence.
