Abbot Luigi, Marble sculpture in Piazza Vidoni, Rome, Italy
Abbot Luigi is a marble statue located at Piazza Vidoni near Sant'Andrea della Valle church, depicting a standing man dressed in a toga. The figure has his right arm bent with his hand resting on his chest, which is the work's defining characteristic.
The statue dates from the late Roman Imperial period and was discovered during excavations of Palazzo Vidoni-Caffarelli foundations. After several relocations, it was placed at its current location in 1924.
This sculpture belongs to Rome's group of speaking statues, where citizens left anonymous satirical messages for centuries to criticize those in power and comment on social issues. The figure became a focal point for this tradition of public discourse.
The work is located at Piazza Vidoni, easily found at the intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Via del Sudario. The site is walkable and sits in a lively neighborhood with nearby restaurants and cafes.
The statue's name comes from a resemblance to a sacristan from the nearby Santissimo Sudario church. This unusual naming reveals how Romans connected their speaking statues to local figures and stories.
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