Rome, vandals behead 16th-century Sarcophagus Fountain in Villa Borghese

Another episode of vandalism in our cities of art this summer: the news brings us back to Rome, where, just days after the defacement of the Trevi Fountain, unknown uncivilized people beheaded the Fountain of the Winged Victories in Villa Borghese (also known as the Fountain of the Sarcophagus), devastating the mask decorating the basin. The large dismembered portion was found on the ground. The incident dates back to last Saturday but the news was made known in the last few hours.

The Fountain consists of a Roman-era sarcophagus used as a basin and on which, in the 19th century, decorations were added, coming from the Fountain of Piazza della Rotonda, one of the masterpieces of Giacomo della Porta (Portezza, 1532 - Rome, 1602), who designed it in 1575.

At the moment, as anticipated, those responsible for the act have not yet been identified: authorities are sifting through camera footage, which may have captured the moment of the detachment (it is speculated that it may have been unintentional). Since the missing fragment has been recovered, they will be able to proceed with the restoration, which in all likelihood will be rapid and will begin as early as next week, overseen by the Capitoline Superintendency of Cultural Heritage.

“I condemn the act of unknown perpetrators who vandalized the severely damaged Sarcophagus Fountain in Viale Goethe in Villa Borghese,” said Rome’s deputy mayor and alderman for cultural growth Luca Bergamo. “I thank the Parioli Local Police who promptly moved as well as the Capitoline Superintendency, which has activated the Restoration and New Placements Service, which will relocate part of the damaged decoration as soon as possible. These behaviors offend the art and history of our city and our country. We should be more proud and respectful of the beauty in which we are fortunate to live. I hope that the culprits will soon be identified and heavily sanctioned.”

Pictured is the Sarcophagus Fountain before (ph. credit Armando Moreschi) and after the damage, in a photo released by the Rome Capital Police.

Rome, vandals behead 16th-century Sarcophagus Fountain in Villa Borghese

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