Torso de Gaddi

This robust torso was purchased in 1778 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany Peter Leopold from the Gaddi collection, located in Florence; nothing is known of the work prior to this date, except that it was part of the private collection mentioned above.

The statue is derived from a prototype from the 2nd century BC. C. and, although only the torso is preserved, it is evident that it was originally a Centaur with its hands tied behind its back. He was part of a group made up of a young, free and exuberant Centaur, and an ancient one, ridden by a cupid who beats him with a whip. What remains of the torso tells us of a young and muscular body, whose energy seems to be limited within the limits of the material from which it is made: the tension in the twisted torso is visible in the sculpture. It can easily be interpreted as a metaphor for the invincible strength of Eros, even capable of controlling the wild Centaurs; This symbol of strength and power was used several times as a model for different forms of art, including painting, and especially in the period between the 16th and 17th centuries. Undeniable evidence of this is the "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Amico Aspertini, a refined oil painting on wood, dated 1515 and preserved in the Uffizi (Inv. 1890 no. 3803), where the torso is shown at the end left, resting on a marble base that is very similar to an altar.

A curious fact: unlike other sculptures, this work was never completed to restore its original appearance. It was considered a work of art of such high quality, so powerful in its emotional effect, that it was decided not to interfere with the extraordinary evocative power of the past.