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La lotta" di Amleto Cataldi

Via Unione Sovietica, 1, 00196 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)

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La lotta" di Amleto Cataldi is an imposing bronze sculpture situated within Rome's vibrant Olympic Village, specifically found along Viale della XVII Olimpiade at the corner of Via Unione Sovietica. This striking artwork depicts two robust, nude figures locked in a wrestling embrace, powerfully conveying the spirit of athletic contest. Its grand scale, standing approximately two and a half metres high, commands attention, offering a captivating blend of classical form and dynamic energy in a modern urban landscape. It truly stands out as a testament to physical prowess and artistic mastery.

This monumental piece forms part of a series of four athletic sculptures by Cataldi, including "La Corsa", "Il Calcio", and "Il Pugilato", all celebrating the muscular physique and competitive spirit of athletes. Crafted in 1929, these sculptures were originally commissioned to adorn the facade of Rome's old Stadio Nazionale. Following the stadium's demolition in 1957, the artworks endured a period of disarray before being carefully relocated, repaired, and reinstalled in the grassy surrounds of the Olympic Village in the 1960s, a testament to their enduring cultural significance. Their direct and powerful depiction of the human form stirred some controversy initially, yet they remain uncensored and visible for all to appreciate.

This public artwork is particularly suited for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone keen to discover Rome's less-trodden cultural gems. It provides a superb focal point for a leisurely stroll through the Flaminio quarter, inviting contemplation on the fusion of classical ideals with early 20th-century artistic expression. The unexpected discovery of such a powerful and historically rich sculpture adds a unique dimension to any visit, offering a moment of unexpected artistic appreciation amidst the city's myriad attractions.

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Comments

Roberto Cecchini

7 Feb 2025

5.0 ★

One of the four masterpieces that goes unnoticed despite its rarity, and despite the fact that, precisely to be appreciated as such, it survived the destruction of the Stadio del Fascismo (to build the Stadio Flaminio). Although initially stored in a warehouse, it was reused in 1961 to embellish the avenues of the nascent neighborhood, the former Olympic village for the previous year's edition. This one in particular is located in a rather privileged position, near Viale Tiziano, at a spot where an important neighborhood market is located and where there is still a lot of traffic. The depiction of wrestling, of the four statues dedicated to sports (boxing, running, and football are the others), is the most appropriate, given the plastic pose and the emphasis on the athletes' muscles. This was the first to be restored again in 2009 (the other three in 2012) at the expense of a senator who wanted to pay homage to the memory of his wife, a great scholar of the artist who created them. Stop and look, because they are true masterpieces. Need some useful info? Leave a like and check out my other reviews of Rome.