The Butchart Boar

The original Porcellino, or little pig, sits on the south side of the Straw Market in Florence, Italy, where for generations his nose has been rubbed for good luck, leaving his snout finely burnished. About 1620 Pietro Tacca cast the bronze little pig from the marble boar Cinghiale, now displayed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. He changed the earlier statue’s simple base by adding a small pool surrounded by plants, frogs, snakes, and a turtle. It is also likely that Tacca restored the Cinghiale itself after fire partially destroyed the Uffizi. Authorities have suggested that the boar was part of a larger group representing a hunting scene, and the animal’s unique position indicates neither repose nor attack, but a wild beast awakened suddenly by the sound of the hunt. This rare copy of Porcellino was acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Ross on a trip to Florence and is called Tacca in honor of the artist who created him, dedicated to all the children and animals who visit The Butchart Gardens.

British Columbia · Canada