“Vitruvian Man” Installed at Enterprise Corporate Park Developer Robert D. Scinto commissions Redding artist to create a three-dimensional sculpture of da Vinci's famous drawing

During his 37-year career as one of Fairfield County's most prolific developers, R.D. “Bob” Scinto has continuously demonstrated a commitment to creating state-of-the-art buildings surrounded by aesthetically appealing, upscale amenities--calming fountains, well-manicured gardens and imaginative public art works by Sandro Chio, Stanley Bleifeld and Richard Erdman. With the recent installation of a 16-foot high, 5,000-pound stainless steel sculpture based on Leonardo da Vinci's “Vitruvian Man,” Shelton's Enterprise Corporate Park is as much a thriving business hub whose tenants are leaders in the global economy as it is a cosmopolitan outdoor art gallery.

More than 700 family and friends recently attended a reception to toast the collaboration between Mr. Scinto and Babette Bloch, an award-winning, Redding sculptor who transformed da Vinci's drawing about man and proportion and his relationship to the universe into a monumental water-jet cut sculpture.

As sunlight danced off of the sculpture's meticulously placed textures and etchings, Mr. Scinto explained to those gathered in the gardens at One Corporate Drive that he has always been fascinated by the Renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci. The huge granite stone floating six inches above the ground was inspired by a photo from George Weigel's Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II. Mr. Scinto searched in Europe and the United States for the perfect artist to bring da Vinci's iconic work to the Shelton community.

“I've always been interested in how the perfect proportions of the Vitruvian Man relate to architecture,” Mr. Scinto stated. “Imagination has been a key part of my development work because I had to first imagine in my mind what I wanted to build before I could execute a perfect blend of architecture, engineering and science that's also pleasing to the eye. I believe art is the spiritual expression of the human spirit and I've always been inspired by the Renaissance.”

“Imagination” is, in fact, written on the front panel of the granite base that supports “Vitruvian Man.” The words “Love,” “Hope,” and “Faith” are boldly imprinted on its three remaining sides.

“Bob Scinto's vision for Enterprise Corporate Park and Babette Bloch's exciting monument have entwined the very best of ancient, Renaissance and contemporary ideas and technologies to celebrate human achievement,” said Philip Eliasoph, noted art historian, educator and author.

Explaining that Leonardo was defined by the town where he resided--”da Vinci”--Dr. Eliasoph jokingly presented Mr. Scinto with the moniker, “Roberto da Shelton.”

“Being an exemplary model of a modern Medici, like his Renaissance predecessors, you are also a master merchant, master builder, visionary, and a devoted arts patron who truly admires the role that art plays in our lives,” he continued. “Thank you, Roberto da Shelton in affirming that art really matters!”

Guests enjoyed a Bellini bar, fine red wine and a full-course Italian feast catered by Il Palio Restaurant following the dedication ceremony.

“Vitruvian Man” was fabricated in Connecticut at RAM Specialty Fabrications in Naugatuck.

Ms. Bloch is available to meet the media at “Vitruvian Man” to answer questions about the work. For more information, go to www.BabetteBloch.com and email Bbsculpt@gmail.com.