Tag: political figure

Stumbling Upon a Statue

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What I love most about Rome is that there is always something different to discover around each corner…from statues to memorials, to major landmarks and archaeological sites…some more interesting than others, but all deserving some insight into their historical aspects.

While on a walk, I came across a statue on the backside of the Ministry of Economics and Finance. Curious about its origins, I decided to investigate.

This monument, dedicated to Quintino Sella, an Italian politician, economist and mountaineer, was erected in 1893, and was chosen after thirty-one sketches were presented for consideration to the city. Inaugurated on April 9, 1893, in the square in front of the Ministry of Finance, the monument was eventually moved on the side of Via Cernaia.

Born in the Province of Biella, Quintino Sella studied engineering in Turin and then mineralogy in Paris, witnessing the revolution of 1848. Returning to Turin in 1852, he worked as a professor of geometry, mathematics and then, eventually, mineralogy.

In 1860, he moved into politics, serving as a deputy for the city of Cossato, secretary-general of public instruction and then received the portfolio of finance from Rattazzi and later, La Marmora. His great political influence led to his heading of a Moderate Conservative cabinet at which he remained until retiring from public life.

Despite his busy educational and political aspirations, Sella spent a great deal of time pursuing his mountaineering interests. He was involved in the competition for the first ascent of the Matterhorn and founded the Club Alpino Italiano, with a number of its mountain huts named in his honor.

Passing away in 1884, Quintino Sella was buried at the graveyard near the Santuary of Oropa, where a pyramid was erected in his honor.

The monument that I observed at the Ministry of Finance, was designed by Ettore Ferrari and consists of a cross-shaped stepped base from which rises a pedestal on which the bronze statue of the statesman appears to be walking with his right hand on his chest and holding papers in his left. A female figure with a naked breast wrapped in a wide cloak, is seated beneath Sella’s representation. On the female’s left side is a bronze figure of a naked boy, symbolizing the Genius of Finance, holding a book with the word Finanze on it.

The statue was an interesting find and after discovering its history, I went in search of the plaque also dedicated to Quintino Sella on Via Nazionale.

It wasn’t the Coliseum or the Vatican…but I learned a bit about an important Italian, just by stumbling across a statue dedicated to him.

Lots more of that in Rome!!!

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Monumento a Quintino Sella