Rome, Aug. 16: Italy’s culture minister Sandro Bondi on Monday described as “absurd” and “inopportune” a row that has erupted between the government and Florence city council over ownership of Michel-angelo’s David.
Lawyers for the culture minister have produced a nine-page legal document claiming the 5.17-metre-high marble figure — which draws over 1.5 million visitors annually — belongs to the Italian state. But Florence, Tuscany’s famous art city, insists the Renaissance masterpiece is theirs. Centre-left mayor Matteo Renzi argues that when Rome became of the capital of Italy, a decree in 1870-1871 assigned Palazzo Vecchio — where David was erected in 1504 — and all its contents to Florence. But the government strongly disputes this claim. “Against my will, I find myself involved once again in an absurd and inopportune row. Michelangelo’s David is a symbol of cultural unity for Florence and for Italy,” Mr Bondi said. “For propaganda purposes, the mayor of Florence is resorting to low tricks in disputing the ownership of this work of art,” the statement added.
The Italian state, not Florence city council — created when the city was part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany — is the legal successor to the Florentine Republic, according to lawyers. The sinuous sling-bearing Da-vid, the slayer of Goliath, is the main attraction at Palazzo Vecchio’s Academia gallery, and is worth eight million euros in annual ticket sales. These ticket receipts are pocketed by the Italian government, along with 30 million euros of revenue from other Florence museums, including the world-famous Uffizi gallery.