Invited - A tourist passes by Bacchus statue in Florence
A tourist woman in Italy went too far literally. International media report on the young woman who recently worked on a Bacchus statue in various poses. She turned to the statue with her front and back as well. Some photos are glad that the statue did not break apart. She clung to it like an ape. Her friend took photos – but also someone else who shared the photos online. A resident of Florence, who was reportedly affected by the scene.
Neighbors, cultural officials, and even politicians have expressed sharp criticism of the behavior of the previously anonymous tourist. Patrizia Asproni, the President of the Cultural Organization Confcultura, told Italian media, "Harsh penalties are necessary and a zero-tolerance policy." In Italy, such disrespectful behavior occurs, "because everyone feels they have the right to do as they please without consequences."
Anger in Florence: Art must be respected
The BBC quotes Antonella Rinaldi, the Head of Cultural Heritage of the Florence Community, as follows: "Tourists are welcome here, but they must respect our works of art, whether originals or replicas." She adds: "I doubt that this woman – whom I condemn – even knows the difference."
However, "this woman" was not the only one who behaved inappropriately. According to "Daily Mail," her friend, who took the first photos, was also reportedly involved in the act. She was allegedly caught by other tourists kneeling in front of the statue and apparently imitating oral sex.
Florence apparently is another city where mass tourism brings negative sides – if not yet as often reported in the media as, for example, drinking excesses at Ballermann on Mallorca. Some users in social media find the action at the Bacchus statue amusing as well. And the "victim" herself? If a god can endure this "attack," then it's probably Bacchus ...
Therefore, the circle is complete and the artwork itself has been reached. According to media reports, the Bacchus statue in question is a copy of a work by the artist Giambologna from 1560. It stands at the foot of the Rossi Cerchi Tower near the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
This post first appeared on RTL.de
The incident involving the tourist has sparked discussions in Florence, with many advocating for stricter rules to protect its cultural heritage. The statue in question, a copy of Giambologna's Bacchus from 1560, is a popular attraction located at the foot of the Rossi Cerchi Tower near the Ponte Vecchio.
Despite the criticism and subsequent media attention, some individuals still find the situation amusing, showing a lack of respect for the historical and artistic significance of the statue in Florence, Italy.
