I am not sure exactly where I took this photo. It may be somewhere in Northern Italy but I couldn't exactly pinpoint where. Rose tells me that this was close to the leaning tower of Pisa.
The image has been in my iPhone for almost two years now. I do remember why I shot it though. I thought the net that was partially covering the building created a nice soft background. It made the statue pop out. I also liked the pastel colors of the architecture.
As for the statue itself, I have no idea who it is and what it represents. What I always noticed are scallop shells in this kind of statues. Now, the scallop shell I was informed symbolized purity. In Catholicism, the clam or scallop shell is symbolically referred to Mary, who had Jesus Christ in her body when he was conceived. I seriously doubt the artist was portraying Mary here but who knows. In fact, I'm not even sure if the statue is a man or a woman.
There seems to be two dolphins next to the statue's feet. I couldn't find its symbolism in Renaissance art based on my cursory review. So maybe they are not dolphins.
There seems to be a bear or a dog trying to climb up a tree. Dogs are often depicted to symbolize protection, loyalty, fidelity, faithfulness, watchfulness, and love. So maybe it is a dog. I believe the tree might be his toilet.