The sculptor was an English-based Italian artist, from Milan, called Raphael Monti (1818-1881) who utilised a remarkable new technique in his monument to the Marquis.
The Galvano-Plastic or electroplating process involved embedding an electroplated copper covering on to a plaster base. The corroded copper gives the statue its green appearance. According to legend, Monti boasted that he would reward anyone who found fault with the masterpiece.
Many rose to the challenge, but no fault was found until, it is said, a visiting blind man was granted permission to inspect the statue. Hoisted up to the head of the horse, the man inspected it carefully with his hands before announcing to the astonished crowd that he had found a fault.
It is said that the sculptor was so devastated that he committed suicide. Now do YOU see the fault?
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