In the context of this artwork, explain the Relocation to Palermo of the History.
In 1573 the owner of the fountain was Luigi de Toledo (brother of the former Viceroy of Sicily García de Toledo); Luigi had fallen deep in dept, and on the verge of moving to Naples, sold the fountain to the city of Palermo. In fact, the Senate of Palermo decided to buy the building in front of the square and relocated here the city hall, called Palazzo Pretorio.
On 26 May 1574 the fountain arrived in Palermo. In order to transport it, the fountain was disassembled in 644 pieces. Then, in order to make room for the fountain, several buildings were demolished. However, the fountain arrived incomplete in Palermo. Some sculptures were damaged during the transport, others were maybe kept by Luigi de Toledo (probably the statues of two Divinities preserved in the Bargello Museum of Florence and other statues placed in Naples and then in the garden of Abadia, in the Spanish city of Cáceres).
Therefore, in Palermo, adjustment were made. The work was assembled by Camillo Camilliani, son of Francesco Camilliani. In 1581, Camillo completed the work with the help of Michelangelo Naccherino.
Between 18th century and 19th century, the fountain was considered a sort of depiction of the corrupt municipality of Palermo. For this reason and because of the nudity of the statues, the square became known as "Piazza della Vergogna" (Square of Shame). In 1998 the restoration of the fountain started. It was completed in 2003.
Cáceres Florence Palazzo Pretorio Bargello Museum Francesco Camilliani Bargello Naples Michelangelo Naccherino Camillo Camilliani Luigi de Toledo Viceroy of Sicily García de Toledo Palermo