Leopold II is remembered for initiating significant reforms in the Maremma region, particularly in public health, land reclamation, and infrastructure development, which played a crucial role in transforming the area during the 19th century. The nickname Canapone, affectionately used by the people of Grosseto, is a local reference to the Grand Duke's light-colored hair (canapo meaning "coarse flax").[1][2]
History
The project was initiated in 1836 by the municipal administration, which appointed an official delegation to oversee the commission.[3] Following a selection process, the commission was awarded to Luigi Magi[it], a sculptor from Asciano.[4] The final model was completed in 1842.[5] The monument was installed in the center of Piazza delle Catene (now Piazza Dante) in the spring of 1846, as the focal point of a broader urban redevelopment plan led by engineer Angiolo Cianferoni[it].[5]
As part of the renovation, an artesian well located at the entrance to Via Ricasoli—formerly used to supply water to nearby residences—was decommissioned and buried.[1] Its cast-iron superstructure was later relocated to the town of Arcidosso.[6]
The monument was officially inaugurated on 1 May 1846, by gonfalonier (mayor) Guglielmo Ponticelli, during a ceremony attended by civil, religious, and military authorities. The inaugural address was delivered by Domenico Pizzetti, capitular vicar of the cathedral chapter.[3] Public celebrations continued until May 4, featuring music, horse races, fireworks, hot air balloon ascents, and a public lottery—underscoring the city's collective expression of gratitude for the Grand Duke's role in the "regeneration of the Maremma", particularly his efforts to combat malaria and improve living conditions.[1][3]
To mark the occasion, canon Giovanni Chelli published a pamphlet titled La Maremma personificata che narra le sue passate e presenti vicende ("The Maremma Personified, Narrating Its Past and Present Events"), dedicated to Leopold II.[5][7]
Description
The monument consists of a Seravezza-white marble sculptural group set on a high pedestal bearing a dedicatory inscription. It presents an allegory of Leopold II's role in the regeneration of the Maremma, combining symbolic figures to convey both historical suffering and civic rebirth.[5][8][9]
At the center stands Leopold II, dressed as an ancient Roman, with a calm and dignified expression. To his left, he supports a seated woman holding a dying child. The woman represents the Maremma, while the child symbolizes the generations lost to malaria. Her upward gaze toward the Grand Duke conveys both sorrow and hope.[5][9]
In his right hand, Leopold II holds a nude, joyful child representing future generations whose survival was secured by his reforms. This child crushes a snake beneath his feet, symbolizing the eradication of malaria. The snake is also attacked by a griffin, the emblem of Grosseto, symbolizing the joint effort of ruler and community to overcome disease and promote progress.[5][9]
The pedestal bears the inscription: "To the glory of Leopold II / this monument / as a reminder to future generations / of the gratitude / of a regenerated province / and of his immortal benefaction".[5]
↑ Lucatti, Renato (1994). Luigi Magi scultore di Asciano: l'epoca, l'uomo, le opere. Asciano: Taccuini.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mariagrazia Celuzza; Mauro Papa, eds. (2013). Grosseto visibile. Guida alla città e alla sua arte pubblica. Arcidosso: Effigi. pp.121–122.
Mariagrazia Celuzza; Mauro Papa, eds. (2013). Grosseto visibile. Guida alla città e alla sua arte pubblica. Arcidosso: Effigi. pp.121–122.
Parisi, Marcella (2001). Grosseto dentro e fuori porta. L'emozione e il pensiero. Arcidosso: C&P Adver Effigi. p.26.
Letizia Franchina, ed. (1995). Tra Ottocento e Novecento. Grosseto e la Maremma alla ricerca di una nuova immagine. Siena: Soprintendenza per i beni ambientali e architettonici per le province di Siena e Grosseto.
Lucatti, Renato (1994). Luigi Magi scultore di Asciano: l'epoca, l'uomo, le opere. Asciano: Taccuini.
Mazzini, Vanessa (1996). Immagine e arredo urbano a Grosseto. L'asse della città da Piazza Fratelli Rosselli a Piazza De Maria. Grosseto: I Portici.
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