Monument to Niccolò Tommaseo, Marble statue in Campo Santo Stefano, Venice, Italy.

The monument depicts an upright figure with folded arms holding paper rolls against a carved stack of books, all fashioned from white Carrara marble. The statue occupies one of Venice's largest squares, surrounded by historic architecture and serving as a focal point in the plaza.

The monument was erected in 1882, sculpted by Francesco Barzaghi, to honour the writer Niccolò Tommaseo. It was deliberately placed in Campo Santo Stefano, then considered the most important square in Venice. During construction, a block shaped like books was added to improve stability.

Locals call the statue "el Cagalibri", a nickname tied to the block of books placed behind the figure during construction to steady it. Tommaseo was a writer and lexicographer, and the monument stands in Campo Santo Stefano, the square then considered the most important in the city.

The statue stands in Campo Santo Stefano, in the San Marco district, reachable on foot from the Accademia and Rialto bridges; the square is a public thoroughfare open at all hours. The monument is set on a base with a block carved as books, so look at the pedestal as well as the figure. Being outdoors, it is best seen in daylight.

The stack of books behind the figure inspired a humorous nickname used by locals that plays on the visual arrangement of the carved elements. The playful name reflects how Venetians have made this monument part of their everyday conversation and humor.