Bulgari's Serpent Sculpture in Rome Sparks Outrage

Luxury jeweler Bulgari has installed a large metallic serpent sculpture in Largo Goldoni, Rome, at the intersection of Via Condotti and Via del Corso. The piece, resembling a buckle or bracelet on a stem-like pedestal, has drawn widespread criticism from art professionals and locals. Gallerist Stefano Stagetti called it 'a horror,' while Claudia Pignatale exclaimed 'How scary.' Maria Cristina Didero, director of Design Miami, described it as 'terrible.' Collector Stefano Sciarretta labeled it 'a scandal.' Critics argue the work lacks artistic merit and serves primarily as advertising for the nearby Bulgari boutique. The controversy is heightened by the fact that across the street, LVMH (Bulgari's parent company) previously sponsored a permanent sculpture by Giuseppe Penone. Questions have been raised about whether the piece qualifies as an 'artistic installation' to avoid public land occupation taxes. The incident highlights broader issues of commercial interests dominating public space in Rome, where bureaucratic hurdles often block high-quality art projects while allowing questionable commercial ones.