A Gift: The U.S. Flag in Italian Marble (April 8)

The nearly two-ton representation of the Stars and Stripes, sculpted by Luciano Massari, from white marble quarried in Carrara, made its debut in a Feb. 17 ceremony.

Click photo to enlargeU.S. Ambassador David H. Thorne accepted the sculpture from Carrara Mayor Angelo Subbani. The sculpture was sponsored by the Carrara Savings Bank Foundation and donated by the town of Carrara.

The sculpture, measuring 7’ 10 1/2” X  4’ 7 1/8”, depicts the U.S. flag with an accept of lights and shadows. The stone is from the Polvaccio-Torono quarries of Franco Barattini.

Symbolizing the friendship between the two countries, the flag is placed beside the main entrance of the diplomatic mission.

“It is very important for me to work with our Italian friends to highlight the extraordinary beauty of Italy,” Thorne said at the ceremony. “This gift is a symbol of friendship and recognition for the contribution of the Italians, and particularly of Carrara, the development of the United States. I am honored to express gratitude on behalf of all the American people.”

“Carrara, a city of marble, quarry workers and sculpture, has left its mark in all countries and in all the capitals of the world,” added Zubbani. “And, today, we want to make a mark in this place that has a particular value for us. We want this even more united our two peoples through the symbol of the flag, which expresses a deep sense of belonging. “

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