Rome’s “talking statues” are a fascinating part of the city’s satirical and critical tradition. These statues, including the famous Pasquino, were objects on which Roman citizens attached signs with satirical writings, criticisms, and ironic verses. The practice of pasquinades originated in the papal era when the Roman people began to use statues as a means to express their dissent and criticism of papal power.
Pasquino is perhaps the best known of these monuments and is a statue dating back to the Hellenistic period, dated to the 3rd century BC.
The original statue probably represented a Greek warrior or Menelaus holding the dying body of Patroclus. It was discovered in 1501 during excavations and placed in its current location, which today is known as Piazza di Pasquino.
The origin of the name “Pasquino” is shrouded in mystery, but one of the most accredited theories suggests that the name may have been taken from a craftsman or restaurateur from the Parione district, known for his satirical streak. Other theories suggest that Pasquino could have been a teacher of Latin grammar or a character in Boccaccio’s “Decameron”. However, it is pleasant to think that the name derives from one of the most humble representatives of the Roman people with a penchant for poetry and satire.
Pasquinades were satirical posters hung around the necks of talking statues, and began to appear during the papal period as invectives and verses critical of the temporal power of the papacy. Even the popes themselves often became targets of these Roman satires. Despite the popes’ attempts to censor Pasquino, this was usually discouraged by the advice of those who knew well the reaction of the Roman people.
After the annexation of Rome to the Kingdom of Italy, the practice of pasquinades was temporarily interrupted, but was resumed in modern times. Today, the pasquinades continue to be affixed to the Pasquino and other talking statues in Rome, expressing criticism and satire on politics, current affairs, and power. This tradition represents a unique and historic way to express dissent and criticism in the eternal city
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