The latter museum reportedly supported Mr Berry’s own artistic interpretation of the Sicilian scene, which was ultimately donated to the Genoa institution in time for the event.  

Through its material bonding of blue jeans’ Genoese heritage to Mr Garibaldi’s “heroic” persona as an Italian patriot and military general, the portrait is a striking homage to the role of denim-making (and wearing) in Italian history. (The general, who lived between 1807 and 1882, is somewhat famed for his trousers made from bleu de Gênes - or “blue jeans” - a hardy woven fabric, very similar to the “denim” then produced in the French city of Nîmes, dyed blue with Indian-traded indigo.) 

Armed with a sword and grasping an Italian flag, the esteemed figure of Italian unification confronts the viewer, no longer obviously dressed in the red shirt of his followers, but rather completely given over to various shades - or washes - of indigo blue denim. 

In this way, perhaps, the work echoes the rousing call of its creator: “I’m often surprised when others don’t know where the word jeans comes from - let's get everyone to know!” 

Image shows Ian Berry (left) and Diesel sustainability ambassador Andrea Rosso (right) in front of Mr Berry’s Portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi artwork.