The Triumphal Quadriga.....

This rather magnificent horse that sits above the entrance to the St. Georges Square building on the Terrace was one of eight such equestrian monuments sculpted in patinated bronze in the 1980's by Italian artist Ludovico De Luigi (excellent link) inspired by The Triumphal Quadriga or the 'horses of St. Mark's' in Venice. The other horses in this San Marco II series are in France, Switzerland, Colorado, Italy, Missouri, Illinois and the Ravagnan Gallery in Venezia. I'm not sure why but information about this sculpture was not easy to come by, after much googling and coming up with zilch, I contacted the group that once owned the building, they put me onto the architects and after some archive research (thank you so much Nick, Elizabeth and Ken) I had the artist's name. Finding out the why and how this unique and original piece came to be sitting high above the entrance to the St. Georges Square building is another matter again. I have heard that Lord Alistair McAlpine, described as a 'bon vivant, raconteur and visionary eccentric' (I'm not sure why but that just makes me want to chuckle!) was involved. I'll have to get back to you on that one because again nigh on impossible to find out through the usual sources and I'm sure it'll be a good story, alternately if there are any Perthites reading this that know the story, feel free to enlighten us! Have a happy and safe Tuesday.....