An Unforgettable Pentecost Sunday
On May 21, 1972, a Sunday marked by the feast of Pentecost, a peculiar individual made his entrance into the Vatican. Elegantly dressed, Laszlo Toth, a thirty-three-year-old man with an uncanny resemblance to Rasputin, carried a geologist’s hammer in his hand. In a dramatic gesture, he approached Michelangelo’s famous Pietà, proclaiming himself the resurrected Jesus Christ before damaging the statue, causing damage to the left arm of the figure of Mary. This unfortunate action led to an extended stay in a mental hospital, but also secured him a place in history as one of the most infamous destroyers, a messiah complex that endures to this day.
Mimo: An Artist Lost in Time
According to the critic Jean-Baptiste Andrea, Toth was not really interested in the Pietà, but longed for the great work of the sculptor Michelangelo Vitalini, known as Mimo. In the work of Vetllar, recent winner of the 2023 Goncourt Prize, the story of Mimo is narrated, who struggles to find his place in a turbulent Italy of the 20th century. This adventure novel, translated by Mercè Ubach, explores themes of self-improvement and failure, where dreams always seem to be out of reach.
The Impossible Love of Mimo and Viola
Mimo, a version of Michelangelo with achondroplasia, reflects on his life and relationships. Raised by his uncle Alberto in a family workshop, he finds himself caught up in a complicated family dynamic, with Viola, the Orsini’s only daughter, as his traveling companion. Both share a mutual attraction that can never be reciprocated, as they struggle with family expectations and their own identity. As the narrative progresses, it is revealed how maturity and hypocrisy become part of his path, with a constant internal struggle between privilege and integrity.
The Shadows of History
The impact of the First World War, fascism, and the murder of Giacomo Matteoti are intertwined in the lives of the characters. As in the famous work ‘Il Gattopardo’ of Lampedusa, small communities cannot escape the changes that shake society. The lives of Mimo and Viola are marked by the circumstances that surround them, and their relationship is affected by the brutality of reality. With a style that combines irony and tenderness, Andrea presents us with a raw vision of the power struggles and manipulation that characterize their lives.
The Magnum Opus Hidden
Mimo’s great work remains unknown, hidden by order of the Vatican to protect its interests. This work, marked by passion and loss, reflects the pain of an artist who has lived in misunderstanding. With light-hearted humor and a melancholic tone, Mimo reveals himself as a complex character, who, despite his difficulties, never loses the ability to laugh at himself. His story is a testament to the power of art to transcend suffering and marginalization.
Reflections on Life and Art
Vetllar’s work is not just an account of an artist’s life, but a profound exploration of how adverse circumstances can bring human beings together. Through shared misfortune, the characters are forced to confront their realities and find meaning in a world that often seems chaotic. Her story reminds us that despite the fires around us, it is possible to find connections with others that help us survive. Beyond the tragedy, there is room for hope and redemption.
