Last night, Fendi unveiled in Rome a permanent public work by Italian artist Giuseppe Penone. The site-specific piece, Foglie di pietra, is installed at Largo Goldoni across from Palazzo Fendi.

The collaboration with Penone follows the artist’s solo show “Matrice” at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (on view through July 16). Curated by Massimiliano Gioni, the sculpture of two trees supporting Classic and Medieval architectural fragments is made of bronze and marble. It is the first permanent contemporary public installation in Rome.

“Giuseppe Penone…creates a new dialogue between history, the contemporary and the future. It is a further sign of a city that works, in many of its components, to give everyone back the right to freely enjoy the art and the benefits of scientific progress. Conditions indispensable to its relaunch,” said Luca Bergamo, Deputy Mayor of the City of Rome, in a statement.

“We are extremely proud to donate this wonderful and incredible art piece by Giuseppe Penone to the city of Rome, its citizens and the million tourists who come visit the Eternal City every day. Foglie di pietra embodies once again how tied we are to this city and the importance it carries in the history of Fendi. Penone is an Italian artist of international fame with whom we share the passion for creation, sublime savoir-faire and continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation, core values of Fendi,” states Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Fendi.

Largo Goldoni

Fendi Installs Permanent Giuseppe Penone Sculpture in Rome