Pistoletto's Venus of Rags Destroyed in Arson Attack in Naples
A new version of Michelangelo Pistoletto's Venus of Rags was destroyed by fire in Naples, with police suspecting arson. The sculpture, a recreation of the 1967 original made of cement and mica, depicted the Roman goddess juxtaposed with rags to critique societal decay. It had been installed two weeks earlier in Piazza Municipio as part of the city's cultural revitalization. Pistoletto, a key Arte Povera figure, commented that the destruction reflects how society responds to beauty with fire and war. Police arrested a 32-year-old homeless man based on surveillance footage.
Key facts
- Michelangelo Pistoletto's Venus of Rags destroyed in suspected arson in Naples.
- The sculpture was a recreation of the 1967 original made of cement and mica.
- It was installed two weeks ago in Piazza Municipio as part of Naples' cultural revitalization.
- Pistoletto is a key figure in the Arte Povera movement (1967–72).
- The artist told Adnkronos that the destruction reflects society's response to beauty with fire and war.
- Police arrested a 32-year-old homeless man based on surveillance footage.
- The incident was reported by Corriere della Sera.
- Multiple iterations of the Venus of Rags exist.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
Institutions
- Adnkronos
- Corriere della Sera
Locations
- Naples
- Piazza Municipio
- Italy