"BOCCA DI LEONE" Rare denunciation mouth in stone... Lot 11

"BOCCA DI LEONE" Rare denunciation mouth in stone carved in low relief where a fantastic animal mask in the lower part is pierced by the mouth and is surmounted by the engraved inscription "DNCIE CONTRA LA SANITA SESTIER DE OSSO DVRO" For denunciations of infringements of health regulations. Venice, Dorsoduro district, 15th century Height: 70 cm - Width: 75 cm Depth: 15 cm (small visible accident) The Bocche di Leone were special boxes inserted in the walls of the city of Venice in order to collect the secret denunciations intended for the Magistrates. The name derives from the fact that these containers were often carved on the outside with a lion's face (symbol of Venice) with large open jaws. A sign indicated the type of complaint for which they were intended. The first Bocche di Leone were introduced in 1310 after the attempted coup by Baiamonte Tiepolo.