Unveiling Ceremony
in Milan
10 September 1999
Remarks
by Roger Enloe
Remarks by Ruth H. van Heuven
Remarks by Roger Enloe,
President Emeritus, LDVHI
When Charles
Dent had finished reading the
National Geographic article on Leonardo da Vinci,
he arose and said "Let's give Leonardo his horse."
Then he added: "It will be a gift to the Italian people
from the American people".
The word "gift"
in English has magic in it. It is
associated with treasured occasions as wedding
gift, Christmas gift, birthday gift.
The word has deeper meaning
respect, admiration,
gratitude. In its deepest reach, there is love.
I heard recently of a conversation in one of the offices of the City of Milan when someone asked the question: "What is there about these Americans which would cause them to give us this horse?"
The answer is: We respect your great history, we admire your famous artists, we are grateful for the legacy of the Renaissance. In our best moments, and in yours, it truly may be said: "We love you!"
Today we give to the people of Italy this magnificent Horse, entrusting it perpetually to the City of Milan. We salute Ludovico Sforza who first conceived of The Horse, Leonardo da Vinci who brought it forth in classic form, Charles Dent who had the vision and the courage to conceive of it again after five hundred years, and Nina Akamu whose sculptural genius has brought it forth again after long study of Leonardo's drawings. Soon you will see it. We hope many generations may see it and say: "The Americans must respect the Italians, admire them, be deeply grateful, even love them to make such a gift."
Before the veil rises on this 500th anniversary of the destruction of Leonardo's horse, you will allow me a personal word.
Charles Dent had a sister, named Jane. She was my wife of fifty years, mother of Elizabeth and Margaret, precious to my grandchildren, devoted to the Horse. Two years ago, just before she died, she turned to me and in her last words to me ever said: "You stick with The Horse". I rejoice now to say to her, "Dear Jane, by night and by day, through thick and thin, to the best of my ability, I have stuck with The Horse."
When death came to Charles Dent on Christmas Morning, 1994, some people thought this was the end of The Horse. They did not know that three days before his death, a small group gathered around him in his home and made him a solemn promise "We will finish The Horse."
I rejoice now to say to him, "Dear Charles, with the diligent labor of every trustee, of Barbara Strohl, Nancy Mohr, John Sheppard, and Bernadette Sterling, with the sculptural wizardry of Nina Akamu, the skill of Tallix Art Foundry, the public relations expertise of Burston Marsteller's Diego Lifonti and his staff, plus the incomparable grace of Frederico Andrioli, our Italian attorney, I can say to you we have kept our promise. We have finished The Horse."
There is one word more. By virtue of the cooperation of the Mayor of Milan, the guidance of Mr. Carrubba and Mrs. Jahier, and the generosity of the SNAI company and Mr. Ughi, its chief, The Horse now stands on its pedestal, behind this graceful veil, awaiting the pull of the helium balloons to lift the veil and show The Horse to all Italy and to every visitor to Milan during the next five centuries.
Remarks by Ruth H. van Heuven, Consul General
Mr. Mayor, Doctor Ughi (our host today), Mr. Enloe, ladies and gentlemen,
visiting dignitaries.
I greet you on behalf of Ambassador Foglietta, who unfortunately had to return to Rome for urgent consultations with the White House. He is very sorry he cannot be with us today.
The star of this ceremony is, without a doubt, Leonardo da Vinci. Italy was his home country; Milan welcomed him with enthusiasm. And it was Milan that supported his great work and efforts in the most diverse fields of the arts and the sciences.
Looking at his achievements, we cannot but think that Leonardo overcame the boundaries of his time and that his incredible intuitions and creations, 500 years later, still stimulate and amaze us. The genius of Leonardo never ceases to surprise and inspire the whole world. The fascination with Leonardo is also alive, among us Americans who, as you know, nurture a deep admiration, almost devotion for Italy and the Renaissance.
Leonardo's genius and inspiration encouraged the efforts of a group of Americans who have made "The Horse" a reality. In this effort, the Old and the New Worlds have come together once again. The New World has brought enthusiasm, the ability to turn ideas into reality, and the willingness to accept challenges.
Words cannot adequately praise those who have brought this project to fruition. It has been an enormous job, and I want to thank everyone involved. It is in circumstances such as these that real and lasting friendships are made clear, friendships destined to last over time. Friendship is also demonstrated in the act of giving, and this is certainly a great gesture of friendship. Leonardo's longstanding unfulfilled dream became Charles Dent's longstanding dream, and now it is finally a reality here in Milan. It is his gift and the gift of the American people.
Thank you, Italy, and
thank you, Milan, for accepting it so warmly.
