Etna: Teseo Screpolato – Cracked Theseus

(C) Marina A. Distefano

The bronze work of “Teseo screpolato” stands 1700 meters above the lava rocks of the Etna volcano, and in the background the two active summit craters out of four: Bocca Nuova and Cratere Centrale.

In the territory of Ragalna, in Contrada Serra la Nave, on March 7, 2024, one of the 28 contemporary works of art by Igor Mitoraj was installed: the “Teseo screpolato”.

According to the greek mitology, Theseus was the good hero, loved by all the inhabitants of Attica for his wisdom, his kindness and his foresight.

Furthermore, the classical iconography of Theseus is depicted with a relaxed face, but here on Etna, thanks the works of I. Mitoraj, the aim was to represent a decadent society with a cracked face to show us the fragility of contemporary man.

In addition the work highlight also <<relationship between earth and divine, between art and nature>>.

(C) Isola Verde

At the end, the work of “Teseo Screpolato – Cracked Theseus” will remain until October 31st, 2025.

This is the largest exhibition of Mitoraj. Lo Sguardo, Humanitas, Physis” ever created and sponsored by the Sicilian Region.

The material is bronze and the cracks denote the background of two of the four summit craters of Etna: the Bocca Nuova and the South East crater, opposite if you look in the same direction as Theseus, you can admire the Gulf and the Piana di Catania in all their splendor.

Not far from the “Teseo Screpolato – Cracked Theseus” just 3 minutes by car (about 15 minutes on foot), you arrive at Piano Vetore where a small wood offers peace and tranquility with the possibility of having a picnic, thanks to the installation of wooden benches and tables.

From “Teseo Screpolato – Cracked Theseus“, the Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza from which all excursions depart, and the Etna cable car are just over 5 minutes away by car.


Discover this event: Sunday 21st July 2024, the Lyric Festival of the Stone Theaters <3


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