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Monument to Vincenzo Bellini

The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini is a marble monument created by sculptor Giulio Monteverde to depict the Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835). It stands on Piazza Stesicoro in Catania, Bellini’s birthplace in Italy. Made of white marble, the monument rises to about 15 meters and is built on a multi-level base. Seven steps symbolize the seven note syllables do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti. Above them is a square column topped by a seated figure of Bellini holding an open score on his left knee. Four statues on the sides of the column represent his works Norma, I puritani, La sonnambula, and Il pirata. A low iron fence surrounds the monument.

Monument to Vincenzo Bellini with a seated figure atop a marble pedestal and allegorical statues below.
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini rises in a city square, with a seated figure at the top and allegorical statues around the base.
October 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini, a tall white marble sculpture with a seated figure at the top and three standing allegorical figures below, surrounded by a decorative fence in a city square.
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini stands in Piazza Stesicoro in Catania, with its marble figures and multi-tiered base visible under a clear sky.
© · CC BY-SA 2.5
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini in Catania, a tall multi-tiered monument with seated and standing figures behind an ornate fence.
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini in Catania, shown with its sculpted figures and decorative iron fence.
1883 © Autore: Giulio Monteverde - Disegnatore: A. Riera · CC0
Monument to Vincenzo Bellini with a seated figure atop a tall pedestal and standing allegorical statues below
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini stands in a city square, with a seated figure on the central pedestal and allegorical statues at the base.
1907 © Federico De Roberto · Public domain
Monument to Vincenzo Bellini with a seated white marble statue on a decorated pedestal, lit by warm sunlight beside a streetlamp.
The Monument to Vincenzo Bellini in Piazza Stesicoro, shown with its seated marble statue under a clear blue sky.
September 2007 © Elio Bonanno · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TitleMonument to Vincenzo Bellini
Typememorial sculpture; monument
Original nameVincenzo-Bellini-Denkmal

Historical context

Inauguration date21 September 1882
Association with Saint AgathaBellini was said to have been very devoted to Saint Agatha during his youth
CommemoratesVincenzo Bellini (1801–1835), Italian opera composer

Creator

SculptorGiulio Monteverde

Discovery and provenance

Commissioned bythe municipality of Catania

Location and ownership

LocationPiazza Stesicoro, Catania, Italy
PlacementFacing the church of San Biagio, formerly Chiesa di Sant'Agata alla Fornace; chosen so Bellini could face the church associated with Saint Agatha
Placement historyProposals included placing it in front of the Teatro Massimo Bellini or replacing the Elephant Fountain in Piazza del Duomo; Piazza Stesicoro was ultimately chosen
Enclosuresurrounded by a low wrought-iron fence with Art Nouveau decoration

Physical characteristics

Heightapproximately 15 meters
Overall formsquare-based monument with a multi-tiered pedestal
Basemassive square base, about 3 meters high

Materials

Materialwhite marble
Fence materialwrought iron

Technique

Pedestalseven steps rise from the base in a truncated-pyramid arrangement

Appearance

Upper elementsquare column
Main figureseated statue of Vincenzo Bellini atop the column, leaning forward
Attribute heldopen sheet-music book on his left knee
Allegorical statuesfour statues on the sides of the column representing Bellini's operas

Iconography and meaning

Operas representedNorma; I puritani; La sonnambula; Il pirata
Step symbolismthe seven musical syllables do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti
InterpretationBellini is presented as turning his gaze toward Saint Agatha's church, especially significant during the feast days of Saint Agatha in Piazza Stesicoro

Inscription

InscriptionA/VINCENZO BELLINI/LA PATRIA