“Giancarlo Galardi” Special Prize

Paolo Penko wins the “Giancarlo Galardi” special prize offered by the Contrada della Selva

The “Special Prize” offered by the Contrada della Selva in honour and in memory of Giancarlo Galardi has been created by the master goldsmith Paolo Penko. It will go to the pair of bishops who, for their skill, will stand out during the historical procession of the Palio on 16 August 2018.

The work reproduces the bronze representation of Piazza del Campo. The details of the brickwork, which makes up the nine segments and on which two bishops in alloy covered with 24Kt gold leaf, made using the “mission” technique, stand out in a flash of light, have been meticulously crafted. This ancient Sienese tradition of embellishing metals has been taken up by Penko as a tribute to the city and to his friend Giancarlo, whom he met during his childhood.

Another touch of Siena is enclosed in that sprig of chiselled silver verbena embellished with flowers in a rainbow of natural stones: tourmalines, garnets and iolites. There are 17 small gems like the Contrade of Siena, just like the flags, arranged in a semicircle, which rise from that brass scroll, supported by two she-wolves, which opens like an expansion of the Piazza, to contain the dedication: “La Selva for Giancarlo Galardi and for the art of the flag”.

Paolo Penko’s artistic creation is dictated by a strong and heartfelt intention of continuity. Giancarlo Galardi, the elegant standard-bearer of the Piazza, is embodied by those two golden figures which, once freed from the silver cusps – made using the burin technique, as in the Middle Ages – give life to two other standard-bearers, “actors” in that entirely Sienese myth that is the Palio.

A couple, without thus stripping the Award of its founding elements, will go in memory of the two young people who, with mastery and great skill, have enchanted the city, enclosed in the magical Shell, with their games and flag twirls. A unique jewel-work, as the artist has become accustomed to, always able, with his cultured and refined ability, to materialise the thoughts of the client, and the feelings that connote the community that is about to receive it.

On 16 September 2018, this prize was awarded to the two young alfireri of the Nobile Contrada del Nicchio, Mattia De Santis and Mattia Michelangeli, for having distinguished themselves most during the Palio on 16 August 2018.