The final work of renowned artist and academic Claudio Di Girolamo will be unveiled on May 12 at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (UC). Titled the "Mural of Accompaniment," the piece honors the history and vocation of nursing.
Di Girolamo, a celebrated playwright, sculptor, and designer, began the project at his studio in early 2025. Following his passing nearly a year ago, his children stepped in to complete the vision he started.
A family tribute to care
The mural, rendered in acrylic on canvas, spans three floors of the UC School of Nursing. It traces the evolution of care from Christian traditions through the legacy of Florence Nightingale to the modern medical profession.
"We always thought he would inaugurate the work," said Francesco Di Girolamo, the artist's son. "Immersing ourselves in his graphic line and pictorial language during that month allowed us to unite as a family, and it ended up being his last great gift."
Dr. Camila Lucchini, director of the UC School of Nursing, emphasized the importance of the installation. She stated that housing the mural preserves an invaluable piece of cultural heritage while highlighting the act of care as a fundamental human endeavor.
Di Girolamo maintained a long-standing relationship with the university throughout his career. His other contributions to the campus include the "Good News" mural at the Faculty of Theology, a relief sculpture at the Villarrica campus, and the design of the "Plaza de la Paz" at the San Joaquín campus.
In 2021, he donated a significant collection of his religious works, which are currently housed at the UC Oriente campus. The new mural stands as the final addition to his artistic footprint within the university system.
