Statue of Madame Lucrezia

Madama Lucrezia is one of the six famous “talking statues” of Rome, a group of sculptures that in past centuries were used by Romans to express opinions, criticisms, and political satire anonymously. Located in Piazza San Marco, next to the Basilica of San Marco and not far from Piazza Venezia, Madama Lucrezia is an enigmatic figure that has fascinated citizens, historians, and tourists for centuries. Her history, the legends surrounding her, and her cultural significance make her a unique point of interest in the artistic and social landscape of the eternal city. Madama Lucrezia is a colossal marble statue, about 3 meters high, depicting a seated woman with her right arm broken and her face damaged, features that give her an air of mystery and antiquity. The statue dates back to Roman times and is thought to represent the goddess Isis, given the cult of this deity that was widespread in ancient Rome. However, the exact identification of the figure remains uncertain, and this aura of mystery has helped fuel the stories and legends surrounding the statue. The name “Madama Lucrezia” probably derives from Lucrezia d’Alagno, a noblewoman from Naples in the 15th century, the lover of King Alfonso V of Aragon, who moved to Rome after the king’s death. According to one of the legends, Lucrezia d’Alagno lived near the statue, and the Romans began to call the sculpture by her name, thus creating a connection between the historical woman and the marble figure. From a historical perspective, the statue of Madama Lucrezia played a significant role in the context of Rome’s “talking statues.” During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, these statues were used by citizens to post satirical and critical messages, known as “pasquinades.” These anonymous messages were directed at authorities, politicians, and the clergy, and represented a form of popular expression and protest in an era when freedom of speech was severely limited. Madama Lucrezia, along with Pasquino, Marforio, Abate Luigi, il Facchino, and il Babuino, became a symbol of this tradition of social and political criticism. The art and architecture of Madama Lucrezia are representative of Roman times, with details that attest to the skill of ancient sculptors. Despite the damage suffered over the centuries, the statue retains a particular charm, accentuated by its imperfections. The face, although partially ruined, shows features suggesting nobility and dignity, while the body, in its proportions and seated pose, reflects the technical skill of its creators. One of the most fascinating stories related to Madama Lucrezia concerns a famous pasquinade that appeared in 1799, during the French occupation of Rome. An anonymous message appeared on the statue stating: “And since we are no longer the masters, we will be the masters, long live freedom!” This type of satire exemplifies how the talking statues served as outlets for popular dissatisfaction, allowing citizens to express their feelings in a creative and symbolic way. Over the centuries, Madama Lucrezia has undergone various relocations and restorations. Her current position in Piazza San Marco is a landmark for those who want to discover a lesser-known but fascinating part of Roman history. The statue is surrounded by other historical structures and offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the continuity and transformation of the city through the millennia.