Giorgio Parodi: a monument between sky and earth

In the heart of Genoa, the birthplace of Giorgio Parodi, co-founder of the legendary Moto Guzzi, stands a statue celebrating his figure as a visionary entrepreneur and courageous aviator. The work, unveiled in May 2021 to mark the centenary of the founding of Moto Guzzi, is a tribute to his legacy, a symbol of the indissoluble link between Genoa and the marque's history.

The pose: a dialogue between passions

The statue depicts Giorgio Parodi standing, leaning against an aircraft's wing, in the act of reading a sheet of paper, placed upon a book. This pose is not accidental, but tells of Parodi's two great passions: aviation and entrepreneurship. The aircraft symbolises his courage and vision, while the paper and book represent his dedication to work and creation. The choice to represent him in this pose was strongly desired by the Parodi family, as evidenced by the controversies raised by some sections of the press. This choice reflects the desire to honour not only the entrepreneur, but also the aviator and the man.

The author: Ettore Gambioli, a "Guzzista" sculptor

The statue's realisation was entrusted to the sculptor Ettore Gambioli, a Marchigian artist with a deep passion for Moto Guzzi. Gambioli, already the author of the Carlo Guzzi statue in Mandello del Lario, was able to interpret the figure of Giorgio Parodi with sensitivity and skill, capturing his essence and rendering it in a work of great emotional impact. His knowledge of the Guzzi world and his skill in shaping bronze have given life to a statue that conveys Parodi's strength and determination, but also his humanity and passion.