Supporting the “Adopt a Statue” project
Milan Cathedral houses an impressive number of sculptures: statues and decorative elements that make the Duomo a veritable encyclopedia carved in marble. “Adopt a Statue” is a fundraising project created precisely with the intent of protecting this immense heritage, highlighting specially selected statues that over time have been removed from the Monument for conservation reasons, yet still narrate the deep bond between the Duomo and the territory.
Bolton, a historic Italian family-owned company and a leader in the production and distribution of consumer goods, has chosen to reaffirm its commitment to the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage. By enthusiastically joining the project, the company further consolidates its ties with the city of Milan.
This initiative is part of a valuable collaboration already established over the years between Bolton and the Veneranda Fabbrica. In fact, the company previously supported the “Get your Spire” fundraising project for the care and conservation of the Cathedral’s 135 spires—the Monument’s most representative elements—by adopting the Cesa Bianchi Spire dedicated to the figure of Saint Joachim.
We wish to thank the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Metropolitan City of Milan.
The Statue of Hercules
The adopted artwork is entitled “Hercules or Warrior Saint” depicting a young man in military attire and armor in the act of drawing his sword. The identification of the piece remains uncertain: it could represent Hercules or one of the numerous warrior saints that populate the rich sculptural program of the Duomo.
The reference to Hercules, in particular, fits into the complex symbolic universe of the Cathedral: in tradition, the hero was sometimes interpreted as an allegory of the fight against evil, while his name evokes the imperial roots of Milan, linked to the figure of Maximian Herculius. Crafted likely in the 16th century by an unknown author, the sculpture strikes the viewer with the quality of its details and the expressive power of its composition.
The restoration supported by Bolton enabled essential conservation work, aimed at cleaning the finely decorated sculptural details—especially on the Saint’s footwear and armor—which are once again fully legible today. As a testament to its support, the restored statue will remain on display at Bolton’s Milan headquarters, allowing employees, collaborators, and visitors to experience firsthand the artistic and historical value of the work, as well as the enduring commitment of the Veneranda Fabbrica to the care and preservation of Milan Cathedral through the centuries.
