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All Italy 'Mater Naturae'
AO Edited

'Mater Naturae'

Perched above a grotto, this tribute to Mother Nature looks out into the ocean.

Portovenere, Italy

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Cynthia Horne
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‘Mater Naturae’   HornesAbroad / Atlas Obscura User
‘Mater Naturae’   HornesAbroad / Atlas Obscura User
‘Mater Naturae’   HornesAbroad / Atlas Obscura User
‘Mater Naturae’   HornesAbroad / Atlas Obscura User
‘Mater Naturae’   HornesAbroad / Atlas Obscura User
‘Mater Naturae’   HornesAbroad / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In the idyllic town of Porto Venere sits a peaceful bronze statue that represents Mother Nature. Her position on the rocky crags above Lord Byron’s Grotto gives her a fantastic view of the Gulf of La Spezia. Despite her windy perch, the sculpture appears serene, contemplative, and infinitely patient. 

Created by Neapolitan artist Lello Scorzelli, this very matronly figure evokes all the best attributes of mothering, nurturing, and abundance. Scorzelli is well-known locally as the sculptor who crafted the pastoral staff carried by Pope John Paul II.  

The nearby plaque reads, “MATER NATURAE — Omaggio a Porto Venere dello Scultore Scorzelli” or “MOTHER NATURE — An homage/tribute to Porto Venere by the Sculptor Scorzelli.”

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The sculpture is located up the hill from Lord Byron's Grotto and the Church of St. Peter.  

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Added By

HornesAbroad

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danielrehrlich

  • danielrehrlich

Published

May 6, 2022

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'Mater Naturae'
92 SP530
Portovenere, 19025
Italy
44.04945, 9.833298
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