NAPLES - A Venus among the coffins, an involuntary symbol of an event that, from a cultural celebration, has transformed into a long trail of controversies, less than transparent spending and unfulfilled promises.
The independent councilor of the Campania Region denounces the current state of the controversial work Mari Muscarà, who in a vitriolic note harshly attacks the municipal administration. " Venus of the Rags, much celebrated and passed off as a donation, today lies abandoned among the coffins stacked in a warehouse”, says Muscarà. “A scene that speaks for itself, symbolic and merciless: it tells the whole truth about a story made of lies, waste and propaganda”.
According to the councilor, the Municipality would have incurred an expense of over 250.000 euros for a copy of Michelangelo Pistoletto's work – and not for the original – even though initially it was spoken of as a donation. A figure that would also include costs for transport, returns "to an unknown destination", extensions and security, without, Muscarà denounces, there having been no administrative clarity.
“The work was presented as fireproof, especially after the fire that destroyed it in Piazza Municipio”, to be continued. “In reality it wasn't like that at all. The Municipality paid hundreds of thousands of euros for it, it defined it as worth a million, but it is a real 'little piece', as we say in Naples."
And it doesn't end here. After the announcement of the future placement of Venus in the St. Peter's Basilica at Aram, it seems that the Bishop has withdrawn his consent, forcing the Municipality to find a new location. In the meantime, the work remains on hold, guarded at great cost: 23.000 € spent on guard duty.
“Mayor Manfredi has extended the stay for another two months. More money thrown away, no concrete prospects. If he really cares that much, he should take her home”, Muscarà jokes. The case of the Venere degli Stracci fits, according to the councilor, into a broader context of improvised cultural choices, entrusted – remember – to a delegated councilor, in the absence of a real assessor for Culture.
"In the meantime - he concludes - historical monuments such as the sphinxes of Piazza Mercato or the obelisk of Piazza del Gesù are left to decay. If we had spent the 23 thousand euros of the guard to protect our heritage, today we would have one less wound to heal. It is time to rethink priorities and stop with the facade operations”.
Article published on March 29, 2025 - 14pm
