Italian Stock Exchange Commissions Giant 13-Foot Middle Finger

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan's early fall 2010 L.O.V.E. sculpture has generated its fair share of upset. The Italian artist installed a marble monument of the middle finger in Milan's Piazza Affari, directly in front of the Italian stock exchange building. The 13-foot sculpture is attached to a base, bringing it to a total height of 36 feet. 

Contrary to the headline of this post, the stock exchange did not actually commission the piece, though it was erected with the city of Milan's full approval. Administrators officially stated: "We want to be confirmed as the capital of contemporary artand we have to not only mediate but also accept what we do not like."

Cattelan had originally titled the piece "Omnia Munda Mundis" (translation: "to the pure men, all things are pure") to "L.O.V. E". Cattelan says: "Officially it's name is L.O.V. E. - so it stands for love - but everyone can read between the lines and take away the message they see for themselves."

Photos by la Repubblica Milano