The statue of the so-called Pasquin depicts a mutilated torso belonging to a marble group depicting Menelaus with the body of Patroclus of the early Hellenistic Age (3rd century BC).
It seems that originally the statue, found in 1501 following excavations, adorned the Stadium of Domitian, that is the current Piazza Navona and that in the same year was placed in its current location by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa.
Pasquin is the most famous talking statue of Rome, which over the centuries has become a characteristic figure of the city and an expression of the power of the word of the people. In fact, at the foot of the statue, but more often around the neck, signs were hung containing satirical verses, aimed at mocking important public figures. They represent the so-called “pasquinades” expressing popular discontent with the power and arrogance of its representatives.
Every morning the guards removed the papers, but this always happened after they were read by people. Before long the statue of Pasquin became a source of concern, and at the same time of irritation, for the powerful people targeted by the pasquinades, first and foremost the popes. In modern times it has become a place for stornelli (folkloristic songs) and dedications. You can no longer leave them at the neck of Pasquin but a special notice board has been created.
