after Pietro Tacca (Italian, 1577–1640), Florentine Boar Sculpture

Contemporary reproduction, painted plaster, unmarked.

19 x 24 x 14 in.

This boar is a reproduction of Tacca's bronze copy of the Hellenistic marble original. Called "il porcellino" or "little pig" by Florence locals, Tacca's boar functions as a fountain in the Mercato Nuovo. It is believed to provide good fortune to those who rub its snout. Some tourists even place coins in its mouth so that the water would wash away the coin from the boar’s mouth into the grate below. Doing so would mean that all one's wishes would come true, and one would get to visit Florence again.

Good estate condition; some areas of spotting.