the mascot of livorno
Monument to the Four Moors
Statue of Ferdinand I of Tuscany
work is Pietro Tacca
Comprised of two very different sections, a marble statue and a bronze base, this monuments presides over the pier.
The Statue of Ferdinand I of Tuscany, recognized for building the Fortress, which protected Livorno from the persistent invasion of pirates, moors and saracen, was the first piece of the monument.
The four moors chained at his feet was an afterthought (so to speak.) The detail and skill are stunning…even if the subject manner is a bit touchy. The artist behind this work is Pietro Tacca, also responsible for other masterpieces, for example the fountains in Piazza SS Annunziata in Florence.
Even though the statue was to commemorate Ferdinand I, the people of Livorno (with their wicked sense of humour) have “renamed” it after the four bronze statues and not their illustrious leader, thus the name monument is “Four Moors” or in Italian “Quattro Mori”.
Due to their precarious position so close to the port, the monument was dismantled and sent in part to the Certosa di Calci and in part to Poggio Caiano during the war, to save it from destruction.
It is said if you can find the viewpoint where all four noses are visible…you are promised good luck. (I do believe I found it!).
