follow this link to see video taken by scuba diver of replica statue in Key Largo
This is the original clay statue minus the hands that was used to make the original, "Il Cristo degli Abissi". It was located in a foundry in 1993. Upon searching the foundry, the arms were found in a box, but the hands never were. The hands were eventually rebuilt by the sculptor, Mauro Bartolotti, so the statue was complete. It is now on display with replacement hands at the National Museum of Underwater Activities in Ravenna, Italy.
The original sculpture made from this clay model is in the Mediterranean sea off San Fruttuoso between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera. It was placed in the water on 22 August 1954 at approximately 17 meters depth, and stands 2.5 meters (8.5 feet) tall. Professor Guido Galletti cast the original from the inspiration of the first Italian to use SCUBA gear, swimmer/diver Duilo Merchant. Galletti wanted a symbol to inspire all who explored and loved the sea in 1954.
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