FLORENCE, Italy—"Twenty-two thousand pounds of bronze can do a lot of damage if it collapses on people," artist Greg Wyatt says of Two Rivers (2009), his 18-foot-tall bronze sculpture that is about to be installed on the Piazza della Signoria. It is the first work by an American — and the largest work in 500 years — to be installed in the plaza.

The statue depicts two figures that symbolize the spirit and culture of New York’s Hudson River and the Arno River in Florence. Reports suggest that residents of the city, which is home to art historical landmarks like the Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David stands, are divided on the work. Each year 9.5 million tourists visit the city, but those hoping to see Wyatt’s sculpture will need to stop by soon. The work is on display only through Oct. 24.

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