Restoration of Iconic Bull Mosaic Underway
A renowned bull mosaic located in one of Italy's grand arcades is undergoing essential restoration after being worn down by thousands of tourists participating in a local tradition involving the bull's delicate anatomy.
According to legend, tourists in Milan who rub their heels on the bull's testicles and spin around three times are promised good luck and a future return to the city.
Repeated heel-spinning has caused a noticeable indentation on the bull's "lucky spot."
"Thousands of people every day have performed the famous heel-spinning gesture," city councillors said. "The pink tiles that make up its testicles are being worn away."
Historical and Cultural Significance
The mosaic, featuring a beige and blue prancing bull surrounded by a coat of arms, is situated in Milan’s historic 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade. It symbolizes the city of Turin, Italy’s first capital.
Restoration Efforts
Restoration work commenced this week, with a small construction site established around the mosaic. A restorer is carefully working to return the artwork to its original condition, according to a statement from Milan’s city council.
Artisan Gianluca Galli was observed kneeling before the mosaic, meticulously cutting new stone pieces by hand as intrigued onlookers gathered.
Regarding the spinning ritual, which was popular among Milanese in the 19th century, Galli told AFP news agency:
"It's probably a charming gesture, but also quite damaging for a work of art."
Ongoing Preservation
City councillors Emmanuel Conte and Marco Granelli noted that the last restoration of the bull mosaic occurred in 2017.
"The Galleria is a living heritage, which can wear away precisely because it is loved and experienced: we take care of it so that it continues to be so," they added.
