Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Morgiano & Alì

Quattro Mori, Four Moors, LivornoIt seems that the sculptor Pietro Tacca used only two convicts as models for the “Four Moors”. The younger was Morgiano (which is a the name dark type of grapes) and the older was Alì.Quattro Mori, Four Moors, LivornoTry to judge by yourself if this can be true, here are the Northwest and the Southeast moors.Quattro Mori, Four Moors, LivornoMeet Alì, the Northeast and Southwest moor. Some say that the artist tried to represent the four ages of the man, portraying both models younger and older.Quattro Mori, Four Moors, LivornoBoth convicts were freed after the work and legend says that the younger Morgiano sometimes brought his new family to see “his” monument.

External links: Barbary Pirates (Wikipedia)
See also: Four Noses - Eight Moors - Four Moors

13 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

These are great VP. Love the sculptures and your images of them!

brattcat said...

These are remarkable. I'm glad they received their freedom.

Hilda said...

Yes, Ali's statues do look like they're of the same man. Can't tell with Morgiano though.

I'm glad they were given their freedom, and the story about Morgiano made me smile.

Lowell said...

Boy, I don't know. There are certain similarities, but I couldn't be certain. Dramatic sculptures, whatever!

Dina said...

Your details, both in words and photos, adds so much to the understanding and appreciation of Ali and Morgiano.

I'm glad they were unchained finally.

Kaori said...

You're right! I don't think I would've noticed unless you mentuoned it! :-)

Small City Scenes said...

Very interesting and I too am glad they were released after posing. The younger Morgiano appears to me to be more Moorish looking---then again I may be very wrong. Great pathos though. MB

VP said...

We can't be sure about these two fellows, but usually convicts were Barbary Pirates.
They weren't really nice guys, often captured while raiding our coast.

B SQUARED said...

An interesting story to accompany some beautiful pieces of art.

Halcyon said...

Their faces are so expressive. I also like the story.

Unknown said...

Now this is really interesting and the photos are fantastic!

Babzy.B said...

very intersting Artwork , great sculptures !

EG CameraGirl said...

Yes, I believe Pietro Tacca used only two models for the four moors.