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my favorite #PublicSculpture of all time is - not 1 but 6! The 'Speaking Statues of #Rome, also known as the 'Congresso degli Arguti' (Congress of Wits) bc since 1501, these statues have been used as places to post anonymous commentary against the powers that be!
#MuseumsUnlocked
#MuseumsUnlocked
5 of the Speaking statues are ancient - the most famous is a Roman copy of a famous Greek work known as 'Pasquino.' It was excavated in 1501 during the construction of the Palazzo Braschi & placed in its current position by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa. Here it is in 1525 vs 2018
More on the Pasquinade tradition here: https://twitter.com/wordflix/status/1261319538911531009
Over more than half a millennium, Pasquino would often express 'his' opinions by means of satirical poems known as 'pasquinades.' Many of these were addressed to his 'friend' & conversant - a huge ancient statue of the God Oceanus known as 'Marforio,' now in #MuseiCapitolini.
more on the origins of the name 'Marforio' here: https://twitter.com/museiincomune/status/960603946602479616
Located on the other end of town by the Piazza di Spagna is another ancient reclining statue - although a bit less elegant.
Known fondly as 'babuino' because of its awkward monkey-like appearance, this strange speaking statue once depicted a Satyr (the head is a later addition).
Known fondly as 'babuino' because of its awkward monkey-like appearance, this strange speaking statue once depicted a Satyr (the head is a later addition).
the renovation of the Babuino fountain was recently funded by the famous suit-makers @Brioni_Official - talk about an unlikely pairing! https://twitter.com/ThroughEternity/status/677895137733775361
Another of the 'statue parlanti' who struggles to keep his head is 'Abote Luigi' - a late Antique togate figure located next to S. Andrea della Valle. Despite an inscription by Tomassetti that assures "qui vita novella e alfin sicura," he continues to be sporadically decapitated
More on Abote Luigi and a good view of his inscription here: https://twitter.com/DariusAryaDigs/status/693416762180780032
The last ancient statue in the group is the giant 'Madama Lucrezia' located between Piazza Venezia & Piazza San Marco.
The fragmentary 3m bust depicts the #Egyptian goddess #Isis or her priestess, but is named after Lucrezia d'Alagno, the 15th c. lover of King Alfonso of Aragon.
The fragmentary 3m bust depicts the #Egyptian goddess #Isis or her priestess, but is named after Lucrezia d'Alagno, the 15th c. lover of King Alfonso of Aragon.
Here's another #MuseumsUnlocked post which relates to the Isis temple - you can even spot some tiny representations of statues! https://twitter.com/SimonBralee/status/1326959777445015555
Last but not least - the only 'modern' Speaking Statue is 'Il Facchino' (The Porter) on Via Lata. The fountain, which depicts an 'Acquarolo' or water-carrier, was built in 1580 by the Florentine painter Jacopino del Conte to adorn his house on the Via del Corso.
Unfortunately for 'Il Facchino,' his floppy cap and resemblance to the controversial Martin Luther made him a popular target for vandalism. Although much younger than the other members of the 'Congresso' - he looks just as battered!
More on him here: https://twitter.com/Sovrintendenza/status/1241357175664054272
More on him here: https://twitter.com/Sovrintendenza/status/1241357175664054272
So there's the gang - all 6 'Speaking Statues.'
Although some are more 'talkative' than others these days - Pasquino is the only statue where notes are still regularly posted - a visit to these public monuments makes for a great walk & moment of reflection on the eternal city!
Although some are more 'talkative' than others these days - Pasquino is the only statue where notes are still regularly posted - a visit to these public monuments makes for a great walk & moment of reflection on the eternal city!
