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Scultura "Il Calcio" di Cataldi

Venezuela/India, 00197 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)

Details

Scultura "Il Calcio" di Cataldi is a magnificent bronze sculpture, one of four athletic groups by the acclaimed Neapolitan sculptor Amleto Cataldi. This imposing artwork vividly captures the dynamism and strength of two nude football players, their powerful, muscular forms expertly rendered in a style that truly exalts the spirit of competition. It stands prominently in Largo Indira Gandhi, gracing the verdant surroundings of Rome's Villaggio Olimpico, offering visitors a striking blend of art and athletic vigour in a serene, residential setting.

Originally commissioned in 1929, these sculptures were initially designed to adorn the facade of the former Stadio Nazionale, highlighting their monumental scale and artistic significance. Each bronze figure, standing approximately two and a half metres tall, features a dark patination and rests upon a distinctive yellow brick base, complementing the architecture of the surrounding buildings. These artworks have undergone substantial restoration, with "Il Calcio" and two others benefiting from comprehensive work in 2012, preserving their historical and aesthetic integrity.

This captivating sculpture is particularly suited for those with an interest in early 20th-century Italian art, classical athletic representation, and Roman history. It provides an engaging point of interest for a leisurely walk through the Olympic Village, appealing to visitors seeking both cultural enrichment and an appreciation for monumental public art. Its journey from a stadium facade to its current position in the urban landscape adds a unique layer to its overall appeal, making it a compelling stop on any Roman itinerary.

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https://www.sotterraneidiroma.it/sites/monumento-del-calcio

Comments

Roberto Cecchini

23 Jan 2025

5.0 ★

It's a paradox, in a nation of saints, poets, navigators...and footballers, that this beautiful representation of the game of football ended up in a place where no one notices it, not even those who know it exists. In fact, it's more difficult to understand which sport it refers to, although it adorned the Stadio Nazionale (of Fascism) when the Italian national team won the World Cup in 1934. Then the stadium was destroyed about twenty years later (and in a cruel way, with no care for these masterpieces, which were uprooted and hurled to the ground with ropes) to make way for the Flaminio Stadium. But a few years later, someone decided that these beautiful sculptures by Cataldi should adorn the area of the Olympic Village. Thus, this, along with the running, boxing, and wrestling, were relocated along the avenues of the nascent sports district. A donation from a senator in memory of his wife, a scholar of the artist, allowed for their adequate restoration, and today we too can admire them. Not to be underestimated. Useful information? Leave a like and check out other reviews about Rome and beyond.