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Milan's Bull Loses Its Crown Jewels in Restoration
1 Jun
Summary
- Mosaic bull refurbishment removed its anatomical detail.
- A tourist ritual of spinning on the bull's testicles caused damage.
- Restoration cost €30,000, sparking public criticism.
The restoration of a 19th-century floor mosaic, the Rampant Bull in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, has drawn significant public backlash. Critics claim the refurbishment has 'castrated' the bull by removing its testicles, a detail that had become a crater due to a popular tourist ritual. For years, visitors have spun on the mosaic's bull’s testicles in hopes of good luck or a return visit to Milan, a practice reportedly observed by George and Amal Clooney.
This ritualistic wear led to the mosaic's needed repair. However, upon completion and unveiling on Monday, the absence of the bull's anatomical feature was immediately apparent. Milan city councillor Marco Granelli's post celebrating the work was met with a flood of negative comments questioning the missing parts and the quality of the repairs. Some commentators suggested the bull now resembled a castrated ox.
The restoration, which cost €30,000 (£26,000), has been accused of censorship and wasteful spending. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an historic shopping arcade, is frequently visited, leading to wear on its attractions. This situation echoes other Italian tourist sites, such as Juliet's statue in Verona, which has also suffered damage from repeated touching by visitors seeking good fortune.
