Christ of the Abyss
by Unknown Artist, 1954
Details
- Year
- 1954
- Medium
- Bronze
- Size
- 250 cm (8 ft 2 in) tall
Christ of the Abyss is a 2.5-meter bronze statue of Christ submerged in the Mediterranean Sea near Portofino, Italy. Guido Galletti sculpted it, and it was placed at a depth of 17 meters (56 feet) in the waters of San Fruttuoso bay in 1954. The figure stands on the seabed with arms raised toward the surface.
Italian diver Duilio Marcante conceived the idea to honor Dario Gonzatti, the first Italian scuba diver to die using an aqualung, in 1947. The bronze was cast using donated medals and naval equipment. Replicas were later placed near Grenada in the Caribbean and off Key Largo, Florida. The original was restored in 2003 after decades of marine encrustation.
About Christ of the Abyss
The original is underwater in San Fruttuoso bay near Portofino, Italy, at about 17 meters (56 feet) depth. Divers and snorkelers can visit it. Replicas are in Grenada (Caribbean) and off Key Largo, Florida (in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, at about 7.6 meters depth).
Italian diver Duilio Marcante proposed it in memory of Dario Gonzatti, the first Italian to die using scuba equipment, in 1947. The bronze was placed in 1954 as a symbol of peace and protection for all who work and travel by sea.
Guido Galletti sculpted it, and it was placed at a depth of 17 meters (56 feet) in the waters of San Fruttuoso bay in 1954. The figure stands on the seabed with arms raised toward the surface.
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