“On the bronzes of Riace, cyclically, theories emerge on their discovery, their origin, but the facts, in my opinion, are hard”.
Cosimo «Nuccio» Schepis was one of the restorers of the National Museum of the Magna Grecia of Reggio Calabria who has worked for years on the bronzes To safeguard them from the corrosion, together with the archaeologist Paola Donati, of the Central Institute of the Restoration of Florence, who disappeared prematurely, who arrived in Calabria in 2010. “With all respect, I have not intended to comment on yet another theory on the alleged piercing of the bronzes – says Schepis – according to which the two dioscuro were recovered off the coast of Brucoli, in the Syracusan, and then ended up in the Syracusan. Jonio, near Riace Marina ». Schepis – Speaking with Agi – tells his professional experience, he recalls the fundamental passages of the discovery of the two masterpieces, identified near Punta Forticchio, in Riace Marina, lying on a sandy seabed eight meters deep. “It was Stefano Mariottini, Romano, respectable person, a amateur sub -holiday in Monasterace, in Locride, with the family – says” Nuccio “Schepis – who on August 16, 1972 noticed an arm that emerged from the sandy bottom, immediately warning the carabinieri and the then superintendent of the archaeological heritage of Calabria, the late Dr. Giuseppe Foti. From that date onwards, the two ‘warriors ” – continues Schepis – take the road to Florence, are hospitalized at the center of restoration and entrusted to the’ curè of Edilberto Formigli and Renzo Giachetti». Cosimo ‘Nucci Schepis, now retired, recalls with legitimate pride the four years of work – between 2010 and 2013 – performed on the bronzes together with Paola Donati, in a wing of Palazzo Campanella, headquarters of the Regional Council of Calabria, set up according to the rigid criteria established by the restoration technicians, to avoid the risky move to Florence.
“A very high scientific experience – Schepis recalls – written in two hands with regional policy, which produced the desired effects: the bronzes were restored in Reggio Calabria, in a micro air -conditioned environment, constantly monitored in an anti -seismic function, separated by the public of visitors by a transparent wall, so much so that they allow them to follow our work live, ultra meticulous, and the vision of the bronzes. Finally, I want to remember that that conservative intervention conducted with the unforgettable colleague Paola Donati was positively certified by the periodic inspections of the colleagues of the Central Institute of Restoration, whose analysis on the state of conservation of the bronzes some time ago, have positively attested the good state of salutè of the statues. A reason for me of great satisfaction: the rest – concludes Schepis – as far as I’m concerned, I leave him to the chronicles ».