The Manuscript of Monte Cassino

This remarkable artwork can be found in front of the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral. Built in 1991, it consists of three sculptures of body parts – a food, hand and ankle. It makes a striking impression if chanced upon by accident. It’s creator Eduardo Paolozzi is one of the most important British pop artists. For this work, Paolozzi drew on his experiences during World War II. The art is seen by many as Paolozzi’s statement on the horror and futility of war. Paolozzi grew up in the southern Italian village of Viticuso, quite near the commune of Cassino. The commune’s medieval abbey Monte Cassino was destroyed during Allied bombing raids in 1944. It contained many priceless artifacts, including medieval manuscripts. It was Paolozzi’s memories of these events that inspired this artwork.