Vulcan of Voltri (David Smith)

From May to June of 1962 the sculptor, David Smith, was invited by Gian Carlo Menotti to spend that month creating a sculpture for the upcoming Spoleto festival of the arts in Italy. In the town of Voltri he was given an unused factory, in which to work, that had made parts for the railroad. From the detritus that had been left behind Smith, with the aid of several assistants, made 26 monumental steel sculptures in 30 days. These pieces were then exhibited in the amphitheater during the run of the festival. The sculptures he presented have withstood the test of time and are acknowledged to be equal to the best the artist produced.

This feat earned Smith the nickname, the Vulcan of Voltri.