Snaps

a) A butt ugly, shiny-nosed bush pig outside Sydney Hospital. b) Thanks to the new Cross City Tunnel, work continues on the narrowing of William Street. c) Fairfax returns of Saturday Heralds in Rozelle. d) Cab camera image of recent cabbie assailants. (images enlarge)

Comments

[PQ]

A "butt ugly, shiny nosed bush pig"?

Adrian, the luvvies will be howling like demented monkeys if they hear you call him that. He is a "wild boar", and even has a name - "Il Porcellino"

Supposed to be good luck to rub his nose.
Many years ago I worked in Macquarie St and passed Il Porcellino on my way to and from work, and never ceased to marvel how ugly a sculpture it is, but it has a charm that grows on you.

A unique Sydney feature.

[BourbonBird]

Is there a story to Il Porcellino?

[adrian]

Thanks PQ, I rightly stand corrected for my carelessness.

There is indeed a story to Il Porcellino, presented to the hospital in l968 by the Marchessa Clarissa Torrigiani in memory of her father and brother – Dr Thomas Fiaschi who died in 1928 and Dr Piero Fiaschi who died in 1948. Both had been renowned surgeons at the hospital. A famous part of Sydney's rich Italian heritage.

[PQ]

Thanks for that link, Adrian.

I had never thought or read about Il Porcellino's history before. Lovely story about the Marchesa and the Fiaschi family.

Why doesn't Sydney Council or the tourism people publicise these sort of Sydney icons?

[BourbonBird]

I agree with PQ. Especially since it's in honour of such a great doctor.

[KK]

Il Porcellino is a copy of the Florentine Boar, a very famous bronze sculpture made by Pietro Tacco in 1612, and thought to be a copy of a Greek marble. It used to sit in the Piazza del Mercato Nuevo in Florence. Because people damaged its nose by rubbing it for luck, it was replaced by a copy, with four others going to Australia, the US, Germany & Canada.

[randwickbelle]

I think we should have lots more public art. Perth has some wonderful statues in the main CBD, I was very impressed.

Adrien your snaps are wonderful, your ability to capture quirky and artistic aspects of our beautiful city is very much appreciated. That snap of ANZAC Bridge is very special, I would buy it as a poster ! well done.

[adrian]

Thanks RB that's very gracious of you. Yes, I really like the Anzac Bridge shot, done one-handed on the spur of the moment whilst crossing the bridge. Ironically, years ago as a survey technican, a mate used to call me 'one-shot Neylan', due to my propensity for taking theodolite readings in record time - sight, lock and read. A practise which still comes in handy.