The Mouth of Truth (for All of You ;-)) by sandra46
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Description
The Mouth of Truth (La Bocca della Verita'� ) is a marble image of a man-like face, located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, Italy. This church, of Catholic Greek rite, is also home to the supposed relics of St Valentine. The sculpture is thought to be part of a 1st century ancient Roman fountain, or perhaps a manhole cover, portraying one of several possible pagan gods, probably Oceanus. Most Romans believe that the Bocca (Mouth) represents the ancient god of the river Tiber.
The most famous characteristic of the Mouth, however, is its role as a lie detector. Starting from the Middle Ages, Italian and German stories reported that if one told a lie with one's hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. The Mouth of Truth is known to English-speaking audiences mostly from its appearance in the 1953 film Roman Holiday. This scene from Roman Holiday was parodied in the 2000 Japanese film Sleeping Bride. It was also replicated in the American film Only You. Electronic coin-operated reproductions of the Mouth are found in fairgrounds of Spain and Hungary, at some motorway service stations in the UK, and at some train stations in Denmark, usually together with photo booths. There is also a full size replica of the Mouth of Truth at Pikake Botanical Gardens in Valley Center, California. There is a similar sculpture of a lion in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India that, according to local lore, bites off one's hand if a lie is told. In France at Parc Asterix, one reproduction of the Mouth is used as a bin and thanks the people dropping garbage down her throat.
Thank you for your kind comments, and don't tell lies to your lovers!
Comments (31)
Amosicho
Fantastic shot!!
claude19
SPLENDID shot of this celebrated Mouth...your two shots are good, when they are don't be with same lighting ! WONDERFUL and fav !!!I am very happty you have understood my parodie !!!THANKS
carlx
Excellent story and presentation!!!
flora-crassella
wonderful and interesting!
MOSKETON
FANTASTICA IMAGEN
frankie96
Intersting history...and a great shot...
psyoshida
I remember it in the movies. Your photo does it much better justice. It's a great shot.
frieder
a wonderful capture of history... Beautiful image!
bimm3d
gorgeous photo!!!
schonee
WOW you did a super Cool image! Have a Wonderful weekend
magnus073
Fabulous and powerful photo Sandra, and brilliant job on the history also
THROBBE
Fantastic work!
lyron
Wonderful picture!!
Alz2008
Wonderful capture, excellent well done..
Minda
beautiful capture and excellent artwork!!
Digitaleagle
Very interesting capture and info., very nice post work beautifully done!!!
durleybeachbum
Well, Sandra, you are wonderful! A fount of absolutely fascinating stuff!
jeroni
Excellent work and perfect realisation
JSGraphics
Awesome work! Love the shot and history behind the object! I'll be careful not to put my hand in its mouth.
wysiwig
Cool image and great writeup on it's history. Reminds me of Bomarzo, a park 68km northwest of Rome near Viterbi. I've always wanted to visit the Bosco dei Mostri. It was created by Pier Francesco Orsini in the 16th century.
jocko500
cool shot
bazza
Lovely capture and interesting information... superb work!
mgtcs
Perfect capture, great tittle and dedication!
Hendesse
Great shot and interesting informations. Thanks for sharing.
myrrhluz
Wonderful image and information. I am enjoying your photos of Rome. And I try to be good. Losing my hands would make commenting difficult.
prutzworks
cool shot, title & story thanx for sharing
Miska7
Great shot and information! Well done.
Radar_rad-dude
A most enjoyable history and photos! I love your descriptives and your skills with the camera are always a pleasure!
alida
the picture makes it more beautiful:)
Buffalo1
To tell the truth, that is one famous mouth. Loving the tour of Roma!