The restoration of a ancient Roman mosaic in Milan has sparked outrage and bewilderment among Italians, with British art historians now calling for an independent audit of the work. The mosaic, depicting a bull and dating back to the 1st century AD, was discovered during construction works in the city's Piazza della Scala in 2019. It has been undergoing restoration since last year.
But the unveiling of the finished piece this week has left experts and the public aghast. The bull, once a majestic creature with defined musculature and fine detail, now appears cartoonish, with a bulbous head and stubby legs. The vibrant colours have been replaced by a garish palette of bright yellows and oranges.
"This is a catastrophe," said Dr. Elena Rossi, an archaeologist at the University of Milan. "The mosaic has been irreversibly damaged. The restorers have taken liberties that are completely unacceptable for a work of this historical significance."
British art historians, who have been monitoring the restoration from afar, have expressed serious concern. Professor James Barton, a specialist in Roman mosaics at the University of Oxford, said the work appeared to have been done without proper oversight.
"This is not restoration; this is destruction," he said. "The mosaic now looks like something from a children's cartoon. We are calling for an urgent independent audit of the restoration process to determine who authorised this work and what techniques were used."
The controversy has reignited a long-running debate in Italy about the lack of regulation and oversight in the restoration of ancient artefacts. Last year, a botched restoration of a 19th-century statue of the Virgin Mary in a church in Tuscany sparked widespread criticism.
Local residents in Milan have expressed their dismay. "It's a travesty," said Marco Bianchi, a shopkeeper near the piazza. "This mosaic is part of our heritage. How could they let this happen?"
The Italian Ministry of Culture has defended the restoration, claiming that it was carried out by a team of experienced restorers who followed best practices. But critics say the ministry has a vested interest in downplaying the damage.
The mosaic, which measures 10 feet by 15 feet, was originally part of a wealthy Roman's villa that stood on the site. It was buried for centuries before being unearthed during excavation for a new subway line. The restoration was funded by a consortium of local businesses and the city council.
"We need a full inquiry," said Sophia Lorenzi, a campaigner for heritage preservation. "Who signed off on this? Who is responsible? The public has a right to know."
British art historians have offered to send a team of experts to Milan to conduct an independent assessment. But the Italian authorities have so far declined the offer, citing national pride and the ability of local experts to handle the matter.
"This is not about nationalism; it's about protecting our shared cultural heritage," said Professor Barton. "We must set aside egos and work together to prevent further damage."
The bruised bull mosaic has become a symbol of what many see as a broader failure to safeguard Italy's cultural treasures. With the country already struggling to maintain its vast collection of ancient artefacts due to budget cuts, the incident has highlighted the need for better training and stricter oversight.
As the debate rages on, the bull remains on display, a mute testament to the dangers of amateurish restoration. The question now is whether it can ever be restored to its former glory.
