In a Hans Christian Andersen Literature class that I took this las fall, we read the story The Bronze Pig... It immediately intrigued me. I've posted it in my blog (go check it out, I think you will understand why it would be right up my alley). Anyway, in my first day in Florence I randomly stumbled across it. The function of this statue has changed slightly in that it is less of an oasis and more of a wishing well. People today rub the nose for good luck and stick a coin in the mouth of the pig which then falls down into a grate below... There is an allure.