Monument to Anita Garibaldi, Bronze memorial statue on Janiculum hill, Rome, Italy
The Monument to Anita Garibaldi is an equestrian bronze statue on the Janiculum hill in Rome, showing a woman on horseback holding a gun while carrying a child in her arms. The figure stands on a bronze pedestal and commands the public space through its scale and emotional intensity.
The monument was completed in 1932 by sculptor Mario Rutelli and marks the final resting place of Anita Garibaldi, who died in 1849 during the defense of Rome. Her story connects the Italian Risorgimento movement with her husband's struggle for independence in South America.
The bronze panels at the base show scenes from Anita's life, depicting her military actions in South America and her search for Giuseppe Garibaldi. These reliefs tell the story of a woman who fought as a soldier, making her a distinctive figure in how Italians remember their past.
The monument is accessible via walking paths through Janiculum Park, which offers panoramic views of Rome from its elevated hilltop location. The paths are paved and easy to navigate, making it a straightforward walk from various entry points.
The original design of the statue was reduced by one-third to save bronze, which displeased sculptor Rutelli who had used his daughter-in-law as the model. This reduction significantly altered the appearance of the work and remains a lesser-known chapter in the sculpture's history.
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