Category: Completed Project / Temporary Installation

Location: Academia Gallery, Florence

Medium: Carrara Marble, Steel Bars

Dimensions: 17’ x 4’ x 3’

Edition: Unique Edition 13’ Height  /1 Edition of 3 17’ Height

Year Completed: 2015

Art in Public Places: Yes / Museum Open to the Public

Public Art Program: Museum Exhibition Commission

Description: HERO for Florence – Homage to David: Saracino interprets Michelangelo, at the Accademia Gallery, Florence. “Hero”, a public sculpture at Three Bryant Park, New York by acclaimed Italian architect and designer Antonio Pio Saracino, was commissioned in 2013 as a gift by the Italian government and Eni to symbolize friendship between Italy and the United States. “Hero”, inspired by Michelangelo’s “David” is one of two works Saracino designed as a pairing (the other work is entitled “Superhero”) known as “The Guardians: Hero and Superhero.” A new edition of Saracino’s “Hero,” was displayed at the Accademia Gallery, Florence during Expo Milano 2015. “Hero,” addressing Michelangelo’s David. The new Italian edition of “Hero,” specially commissioned by New York-based Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM) and to be exhibited at the Accademia Gallery, Florence, will be larger than the Bryant Park ‘Hero’ – standing as tall as the original “David” 17ft / 5,2m. The 11,000 lb marble “Hero” is created in Carrara, Italy with the same stone Michelangelo used to create “David.” “Hero” was exhibited in the courtyard of the Accademia Gallery, Florence, just a few meters from Michelangelo’s “David” from May through Dec. 2015.