Is this a mythical creature, half-man, half-beast? Many visitors to Rome, upon encountering the Babuino for the first time, might ask themselves this very question. This isn’t any mythical beast, though. The Babuino is actually one of the “talking statues” of Rome. You see, it’s a fountain adorned with a rather peculiar statue. The statue depicts Silenus, a figure from Roman mythology known for his love of wine and revelry. He’s often depicted as a rather jolly, somewhat portly fellow, with the ears and tail of a goat. Our Babuino here, though, let’s just say the sculptor didn’t quite capture Silenus in his most flattering light. In fact, the locals found the statue so unattractive that they nicknamed it “Babuino,” meaning baboon! The name stuck, and eventually, even the street on which the fountain stands adopted the name, becoming Via del Babuino. But this wasn’t merely a case of a statue with a funny nickname. The Babuino, like the other “talking statues,” became a platform for political satire. People would attach anonymous messages, poems, and witty critiques, often aimed at the Pope or the government, to these statues, under the cover of night. The Babuino, with its less-than-idealized depiction of a mythological figure, perhaps seemed like the perfect spot for such subversive commentary. While the tradition of posting messages on the Babuino has faded, the statue itself remains, a testament to the power of public art to spark amusement, debate, and even a little bit of rebellion.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to