Near Brentwood Bay in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
The Butchart Boar
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 21, 2014
1. The Butchart Boar Marker
The original Porcellino, or little pig, sits on the south side of the Straw Market in Florence, Italy. For generations his nose has been affectionately rubbed to bring good luck, so that today his snout is finely burnished.About 1620 Pietro Tacca cast the "little pig" in bronze from the marble boar "Cinghiale", now displayed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. He completely changed the simple base of the earlier statue by adding a small pool surrounded by plants, frogs, snakes and a turtle. (It is also likely that Tacca restored the Cinghiale itself after fire partially destroyed the Uffizi)
Authorities have suggested that the boar was part of a larger group representing a hunting scene. The animal's unique position indicates neither repose nor attack, rather the wild beast awakened suddenly by the sound of the hunt.
This rare copy of Porcellino was acquired by Mr. And Mrs. Ross on a trip to Florence. He is called 'TACCA' in honour of the artist who created him, and he is dedicated to all the children and animals who visit The Butchart Gardens.
Erected by The Butchart Gardens
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1620.
Location. 48° 33.909′ N, 123° 28.085′ W. Marker is near Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, in Capital. Marker and boar are at The Butchart Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay BC V8M 1J8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Italian Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sunken Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Pond (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Fountain of the Three Sturgeons (about 120 meters away); The Japanese Garden (about 120 meters away); Above The Sunken Garden (about 120 meters away); Rose Garden History (about 120 meters away); The Butchart Gardens / Les Jardins Butchart (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brentwood Bay.
Also see . . .
1. The Butchart Gardens. (Submitted on June 18, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Butchart Gardens on Facebook. (Submitted on June 18, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. About Porcellino. (Submitted on June 18, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 21, 2014
2. The Butchart Boar and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 21, 2014
3. The Butchart Boar
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
4. The Butchart Gardens Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,098 times since then and 246 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on June 15, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
