Michelangelo Pistoletto’s statue Dietrofront, which stands in the middle of the Porta Romana roundabout, is about to undergo restoration work.
The sculpture took up residence in Porta Romana in 1984 following an exhibition of Michelangelo Pistoletto’s works at Forte di Belvedere. Standing six metres tall and four metres wide, the sculpture consists of two figures, one vertical and one horizontal, the latter’s head resting on top of the former in a precariously unbalanced position—it is held securely in place by an internal metal structure.
In the early Nineties the statue was hit by a car racing down via Senese at full speed. This damage was rectified during the 1996 restoration project, in addition to cleaning dirt caused by smog and rain. This new makeover will remove lichens, plaster micro cracks and reintroduce parts that have gone missing over time. Checks will be conducted on the steel bearing structure.
The restoration is expected to take two months and will cost in the range of 15,000 euro, paid for by the artist himself.
