Giuseppe Penone's 'Foglie di pietra' Unveiled in Rome, Funded by Fendi
On May 22, 2017, the permanent installation 'Foglie di pietra' by Italian artist Giuseppe Penone (born 1947 in Garessio) was unveiled in Largo Goldoni, Rome, directly in front of Palazzo Fendi. The work, entirely funded by the luxury fashion house Fendi, consists of two bronze trees—18 and 9 meters tall—whose branches intertwine to lift an 11-ton carved marble block five meters above the ground. The installation required a 30-meter excavation into the foundations to support its weight. Penone's piece evokes ancient city ruins reclaimed by vegetation and is positioned symmetrically to Bernini's Fontana del Trullo at the start of Via Condotti, creating a dialogue between contemporary and Baroque art. The sculpture emphasizes nature, sky, and earth, reflecting Penone's research rooted in a pagan sensibility specific to indigenous Roman art, which is cultural before spiritual. The work was still partially under construction when Artribune released a video preview.
Key facts
- Giuseppe Penone's 'Foglie di pietra' unveiled in Rome on May 22, 2017.
- The installation is located in Largo Goldoni, in front of Palazzo Fendi.
- Fendi fully financed the artwork.
- The sculpture comprises two bronze trees, 18 and 9 meters tall.
- An 11-ton carved marble block is suspended five meters above ground by the tree branches.
- A 30-meter excavation was needed for the foundation.
- The work is positioned symmetrically to Bernini's Fontana del Trullo at Via Condotti.
- Penone's research focuses on nature, sky, and earth, with roots in pagan Roman art.
Entities
Artists
- Giuseppe Penone
Institutions
- Fendi
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Largo Goldoni
- Palazzo Fendi
- Via Condotti