MILAN — A remarkable cultural preservation initiative has brought a 15th-century marble sculpture from storage into public view through an innovative adoption scheme. The ‘Bearded Saint with Book,’ originally crafted for Milan’s iconic Duomo cathedral, now stands proudly displayed behind protective glass at Piazzale Cadorna, headquarters of Lombardy transport company FNM.
The sculpture’s restoration and relocation mark the success of the ‘Adopt a Statue’ program launched in 2020 by Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, the centuries-old institution overseeing the cathedral’s conservation. This visionary program connects corporate and individual donors with historical artworks requiring restoration, creating a sustainable model for cultural preservation.
Elisa Mantia, the program’s project manager, explained the significance: ‘This project’s uniqueness lies in restoring statues that would otherwise remain in our deposits, bringing them back to their original beauty. They can continue telling the Duomo’s story even in locations distant from the monument itself.’
The adoption process involves formal loan agreements, typically beginning with one-year terms that may be renewed. Each restoration requires authorization from Italy’s cultural heritage authorities, with strict adherence to conservation, insurance, and transport regulations.
The Duomo’s construction history reveals why such programs are necessary. Beginning in 1386 under Gian Galeazzo Visconti’s rule, the cathedral took over five centuries to complete, with artists from different regions and periods contributing statues that now represent a timeline of evolving artistic styles.
FNM President Andrea Gibelli emphasized the broader mission during the February 13 unveiling: ‘Culture can save the world. We want to spread the cultural riches we are fortunate to have, which are often overlooked or not fully appreciated.’
Other successfully adopted sculptures include a 16th-century David, a depiction of Samson and the Lion, and a statue of Saint Matthew the Apostle. The program has preselected approximately thirty additional sculptures eligible for restoration, each chosen for both artistic merit and structural integrity.
The ‘Bearded Saint with Book’ required primarily surface cleaning to remove pollution-based black crust, having sustained no structural damage during its centuries outdoors. All Duomo sculptures originate from Candoglia quarries in Piedmont, with the same marble used consistently since the late 14th century.
As Mantia reflects, ‘Beyond being Milan’s symbol, the Duomo represents its history—a monument that grew with the city, telling its entire story through statues and decorative styles.’