Madama Lucrezia, Marble sculpture near Palazzo Venezia, Rome, Italy.
Madama Lucrezia is a marble bust roughly 10 feet (3 meters) tall standing between Palazzo Venezia and the Basilica of San Marco in Rome. The colossal female head rests on an elevated base near the northern side of Palazzo Venezia.
The sculpture originates from ancient times, possibly representing the goddess Isis or Empress Faustina. It gained its current name during the 15th century from Lucrezia d'Alagno, a woman who lived in the nearby area.
This marble bust belongs to Rome's group of talking statues, where citizens once left hidden messages to voice their criticism of authorities. The sculpture served as a public outlet for what people could not say openly in their daily lives.
The sculpture is located near several other monuments and is easily reached on foot. You can see it directly when you walk across the square in front of Palazzo Venezia.
Every May 1st, locals decorate the bust with garlands made of garlic, chili peppers, onions, and colorful ribbons. This folk tradition of the Ballo dei Guitti remains an active ritual celebrated to this day.
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