Silvio Gazzaniga
Encyclopedia
Silvio Gazzaniga is an Italian
sculptor
. While working for the Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni
company, he created the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Gazzaniga was a graduate of the Brera Academy
, as is his daughter, Gabriella, and is a fan of AC Milan.
His design was chosen by committee on April 5, 1971. The trophy is 36 cm high, weighs 4.97 kg and is made of pure, 18-carat gold. Two rings of semi-precious malachite stones adorn the base. The winners' names are written onto the gold base. There is room for 17 named winners and each is engraved in the language of that winning nation.
Gazzaniga said of the design of the trophy: "My inspiration for the design came from two basic elements – the athlete and the world. I had it in my mind to create something that symbolised effort and exertion, while at the same time expressing harmony, simplicity and peace. The silhouette had to be linear, in order that the observer's attention would be drawn to the protagonist, that is to say, the footballer; a man who, at the moment of victory, would take on the aspect of a giant, without appearing superhuman. He had to be a hero, but a hero with the qualities of someone who has worked hard and suffered, who his fellow humans will identify with every day in life and whose arms, which seem to embrace the entire world, are the embodiment of the universality of sport.
"Were someone to give me this task again, I would only make minor changes to my original concept. These days, more importance is placed on what is on the outside rather than what is on the inside", said Gazzaniga regretfully. "The fact that my trophy has weathered many trends over the past 30 years (the Jules Rimet Cup endured for 40 years) bears witness to the fact that I allowed myself to be inspired by principles that are not eroded by the passing of time."
Gazzaniga has since designed the UEFA Cup
trophy (1972), the UEFA Super Cup trophy (1973). the UEFA Under-21 European Championship trophy and the Baseball World Cup trophy (2001).
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
sculptor
Sculpture
Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...
. While working for the Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni
Bertoni, Milano
GDE Bertoni is a trophy and medal manufacturer, in Milan, Italy. It was transfered to AC milan Until 1995, the company was known as 'Bertoni, Milano'....
company, he created the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Gazzaniga was a graduate of the Brera Academy
Brera Academy
The Academy of Fine Arts of Brera, also known as Brera Academy is a public academic institution located in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1776 by HIM Maria Theresa of Austria.- Overview :...
, as is his daughter, Gabriella, and is a fan of AC Milan.
His design was chosen by committee on April 5, 1971. The trophy is 36 cm high, weighs 4.97 kg and is made of pure, 18-carat gold. Two rings of semi-precious malachite stones adorn the base. The winners' names are written onto the gold base. There is room for 17 named winners and each is engraved in the language of that winning nation.
Gazzaniga said of the design of the trophy: "My inspiration for the design came from two basic elements – the athlete and the world. I had it in my mind to create something that symbolised effort and exertion, while at the same time expressing harmony, simplicity and peace. The silhouette had to be linear, in order that the observer's attention would be drawn to the protagonist, that is to say, the footballer; a man who, at the moment of victory, would take on the aspect of a giant, without appearing superhuman. He had to be a hero, but a hero with the qualities of someone who has worked hard and suffered, who his fellow humans will identify with every day in life and whose arms, which seem to embrace the entire world, are the embodiment of the universality of sport.
"Were someone to give me this task again, I would only make minor changes to my original concept. These days, more importance is placed on what is on the outside rather than what is on the inside", said Gazzaniga regretfully. "The fact that my trophy has weathered many trends over the past 30 years (the Jules Rimet Cup endured for 40 years) bears witness to the fact that I allowed myself to be inspired by principles that are not eroded by the passing of time."
Gazzaniga has since designed the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
trophy (1972), the UEFA Super Cup trophy (1973). the UEFA Under-21 European Championship trophy and the Baseball World Cup trophy (2001).