E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pasquina’de (3 syl.).
A lampoon or political squib, having ridicule for its object; so called from Pasqui’no, an Italian tailor of the fifteenth century, noted for his caustic wit. Some time after his death a mutilated statue was dug up, representing either Ajax supporting Menela’os, or Menela’os carrying the dead body of Patroc’los, or else a gladiator, and was placed at the end of the Braschi Palace near the Piazza Navo’ni. As it was not clear what the statue represented, and as it stood opposite Pasquin’s house, the Italians called it “Pasquin.” The Romans made this torso the depository of their political, religious, and personal satires, which were therefore called Pasquinsongs or Pasquinades. In the Capitol is a rival statue called Marforio, to which are affixed replies to the Pasquinades.
