The monuments decorating the workers' neighbourhoods and industrial towns of the last century synthetically expressed, through artistic language that was somewhere between symbolism and realism, the ideology of the industrialists-commissioners and even the outlook of the masses involved in the celebration of the same industrial civilisation in which they themselves were protagonists.

The marble Monument to the Weaver(1) by Giulio Monteverde, which is the most eloquent symbol of the Rossi town, was inaugurated on the 20th September 1879 as a “permanent gift to the workers” from the industrialist. Originally(2), the sculpture was located on a cylindrical pedestal with an octagonal base in the centre of the main square of the New Workers’ Neighbourhood in Schio, on the corner(3) of Viale P. Maraschin and Via A. Rossi, near the entrances to the Rossi Wool Mill and the Infant Nursery. All the factory workers(4) were therefore able to admire the ‘work hero’ forged on the principles of capitalistic ethics combined with that of the commissioner’s catholic nationalism.
In fact, the weaver(5) does not represent the real worker, wearied by the stressing pace of the factory, but rather the model artisan in his typical uniform, proud of his trade, symbolised by the shuttle(6) he looks upon and by the fabric(7) rolled up at his feet. The white stone of the statue and the granite of the pedestal accentuates the pride of the worker, aware of embodying the ideals of the industrial era, exactly those which Rossi confirmed many times in his writings and speeches, now spread with lapidary and unequivocal clarity by the maxims on the plinth: “We claim(8) claim and renew the art of our fathers - As equal(9) before the loom as before God - The future(10) belongs to the working people - Yesterday’s work capital(11), tomorrow’s capital work - Ready(12) with the shuttle for the family and with the carbine for Italy and the King - Work(13) liberates and elevates us - Work conquests(14) are gold conquests - From the loom(15) to savings, from savings to ownership”. In 1945, following various vicissitudes, the monument was transferred to Piazza A. Rossi(16), in the heart of the town’s historical centre, where it became the characteristic emblem of the town image, the ‘Omo’ (man) par excellence.

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