20 Jul 2010

The original model of the “Madunina” returns to Milan: it was returned  to the city by the Managing Director of the Salini Group, Pietro Salini, and Luisa Todini, during an event held yesterday called “Tra le Guglie del Duomo” (“Among the Spires of the Duomo”). The entrepreneurs presented the preparatory model of the Duomo’s famous “Madonnina” (made in the 1700s by the sculptor Giuseppe Perego) to the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The work-of-art which Pietro Salini discovered in an antique shop and purchased, was subsequently given to the Mayor of Milan by the Italian Prime Minister as a gift for the city. While referring to the Madonnina in his speech, the Prime Minister announced that the law which ensured a 5 million euro annual grant  for maintenance of the cathedral was to be reinstated after having expired in 2009.
The small, gold-plated bronze statue portrays Our Lady of the Assumption standing upon a cloud with two cherubs. The wooden sculpture was carved by Giuseppe Antignati and covered with sheets embossed in gold-plated copper by the goldsmith Giuseppe Bini. It has resided here on the tallest spire of the Duomo since 1774: it rapidly became the symbol of the City of Milan.
On receiving the model, the Premier said, “I am absolutely delighted to receive this gift,” and turning towards Pietro Salini and Luisa Todini, he remarked,  “which is donated by the protagonists of an enterprise which is a credit to Italy throughout the world.” Then, jokingly, he added,  “I’ve changed my mind, it’s so beautiful I’m going to keep it for myself!” Mr Berlusconi then went on to remind those present of his commitment in supporting Italian companies in the world.
During the evening, which was organised by the Provincia di Milano to celebrate its 150 years of activity, Silvio Berlusconi and Don Verzè, the founder of the San Raffaele Hospital, were presented with the prestigious “Grande Milano” award.

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