Vandals Strike Rome Icon: Bernini Elephant Tusk Shattered

A shocking act of vandalism has hit one of Rome’s iconic landmarks after a piece of the marble tusk from the famous elephant sculpture designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini broke off overnight. Police recovered the damaged fragment near the statue, which stands close to the Pantheon, and are reviewing CCTV footage to determine what happened. Italy’s culture minister called the incident “barbaric” and confirmed restoration will begin soon. The beloved artwork, also known as “Minerva’s Piglet,” is a major tourist attraction. Bernini, who also worked on St. Peter's Basilica and created the Four Rivers Fountain, famously designed the elephant carrying an ancient Egyptian Obelisk, adding a hidden message after a dispute with Dominican friars.