The Statue of Pasquino

Italian 16th Century

1544

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From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

About this work

This engraving shows a broken ancient statue. It’s missing its head, arms, and legs. You see a rough torso leaning against a wall. The figure looks like a soldier from long ago. People in 1500s Rome used this statue to leave anonymous jokes and complaints. They called it the “talking statue.” It was the first spot where Romans could post sharp messages without getting caught. Check out the technique used here. Look up engraving, cross-hatching.