A bronze bust of Hungarian physician Ignác Semmelweis, crafted by Kossuth Prize-winning sculptor István Madarassy, was unveiled in early June at the Istituto degli Innocenti in Florence, Italy. The statue rests on a Hungarian limestone pedestal and marks the 27th sculpture inaugurated by the Semmelweis Memorial Committee.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from Semmelweis University, including Rector Dr. Béla Merkely, Vice-Rector Dr. Éva Szabó Feketéné, committee president Dr. László Rosivall, and representatives of Hungary’s cultural and diplomatic corps.
Founded in 1982, the Semmelweis Memorial Committee has installed monuments honoring the “savior of mothers” in 25 cities worldwide, from Tokyo to Los Angeles. The latest sculpture holds special symbolic value, being located at the 15th-century Istituto degli Innocenti, originally built as a children’s hospital and orphanage.
During the event, Dr. Béla Merkely reflected on Semmelweis’s groundbreaking discovery: handwashing with chlorinated water drastically reduced childbed fever—an idea that was initially rejected but later revolutionized medicine. “His example teaches us to go beyond duty, to strive for progress, and to persist in the face of resistance,” Merkely said.
Hungarian Ambassador Ádám Zoltán Kovács called Semmelweis a pioneer of modern medicine, praising his role in saving countless lives and strengthening Italian-Hungarian cultural ties. He expressed gratitude to Erika Emma Fodré, Vice President of the Italian-Hungarian Association, for her financial and diplomatic support in realizing the project.
Fodré emphasized the symbolism of handwashing as a gesture of responsibility, stating, “Today we are celebrating friendship between nations, respect for science, and the passing on of knowledge.”
Maria Grazia Giuffrida, President of the Istituto degli Innocenti, welcomed the sculpture as a fitting addition to the institution’s garden, allowing children to grow up surrounded by symbols of health, care, and compassion.
Source: Semmelweis University
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