The Talking Statues of Rome
Marforio

Pasquino’s “straight man

Location: Courtyard of the Capitoline Museums (Palazzo Nuovo).

Description: Colossal statue of a river god (1st century AD).

Curiosities:

• Pasquino’s “straight man” Marforio is considered the perfect companion to Pasquino. Many pasquinades were written as dialogues between the two: Pasquino would ask a question or make an accusation, and Marforio would reply with sharp irony. They were like a comedic duo of the 16th century!

• A marble giant It is a colossal statue (over 6 meters tall) from the 1st century AD, depicting a reclining river god (probably Oceanus, the Tiber, or Neptune). It has a long beard, a draped cloak, and holds a seashell in its hand. It originally belonged to a fountain.

• Origin of the name The name almost certainly comes from “Martis Forum” (Forum of Mars), the area of the Forum of Augustus where it was discovered in the 16th century. Another theory links it to the Marfoli/Marfuoli family, who owned land nearby.

• Frequent relocations It was found in the Forum of Augustus, then moved several times: near the Mamertine Prison, to Piazza del Campidoglio in 1588 (by order of Pope Sixtus V), and finally to the courtyard of Palazzo Nuovo in the Capitoline Museums, where it stands today.

• Famous historical pasquinata During the Napoleonic looting: Marforio: “Is it true that all Frenchmen are thieves?” Pasquino: “Not all of them… but BonaParte!”

• The only Talking Statue in a museum Unlike the other five (which are still outdoors), Marforio is kept inside the Capitoline Museums. It can be seen in the courtyard of Palazzo Nuovo, leaning against a wall.

• Already famous in the Middle Ages It has been known since the 12th century and was referred to as Marphurius or Marforius. It was one of the first “talking statues” along with Pasquino.

• Symbol of satirical dialogue While Pasquino was more aggressive, Marforio represented the ironic and thoughtful reply. Together they formed a kind of “living satirical newspaper.”