Francesco Vezzoli's "Nike Metafisica" joins the permanent collection

The Nike Metafisica, a 2019 work by Francesco Vezzoli, has been officially acquired and added to the permanent collection of the Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia. The sculpture is now on display in the museum's Viridarium, the contemporary sculpture park, where it engages with archaeological remains and the museum landscape.

The piece revisits the classical iconography of the Winged Victory of Samothrace through references to 20th-century metaphysical painting, creating a dialogue between ancient models and contemporary visual language that enriches the exhibition route and offers fresh interpretative cues for visitors.

Exhibition context

The acquisition took place as part of the Palcoscenici archeologici project, with curatorial input from Francesco Vezzoli and support from the Italian Council. Placing the work in the Viridarium helps forge connections between antiquity and contemporary art within the Museo di Santa Giulia.

Contemporary works in the route

• Terzo Paradiso – Michelangelo Pistoletto (2015)
• Untitled – Ariel Schlesinger (2019)
• Formiamo Umanità – Valerio Rocco Orlando (2022)
• Mondo d'Acciaio – Emilio Isgrò (2023)

Why visit

The Nike Metafisica provides a contemporary perspective on classical models and exemplifies how current art can interact with historical heritage. The work enhances the Museo di Santa Giulia's layout and invites visitors to explore new relationships between contemporary sculpture and ancient artifacts.

Practical information

Where: Museo di Santa Giulia, Contemporary Sculpture Park (Viridarium), Via dei Musei 81b, Brescia.

Inauguration and acquisition: 13 May 2026. The work is now part of the museum's permanent collection.

At the same time, the Parco archeologico di Brescia romana hosts the exhibition Victoria Mater. L'idolo e l'icona, curated by Donatien Grau, which compares the Vittoria Alata and the Idolino di Pesaro; that installation is on view until 21 June 2026.