A Proposal to Curate Architectural Salvage

Vase bases resembling capitals, cornice corbels from the piano nobile, fountain  fragments, feet, bas-reliefs, fantastical or domestic animals, even a memorial stone probably from a Punic tophet… these and other pieces recovered from the historical mosaic of Palazzo Butera were gathered by Anne and Patrick Poirier during the restoration years. The French artists thus imagined a sculpture garden for the 1st courtyard, following the traditions of Bomarzo, Caprarola, or Pratolino—just to mention some places dear to the couple. In the preparatory watercolours of 2018, there is a clear sense of lush vegetation, and an ideal spatial setting, creating a new home to welcome these fragments.