Horse’s Mouth

The Bocca della Verità (Art. 781) is a decorative bas-relief panel with an indicative diameter of 30 cm and an indicative weight of 15 kg, crafted from agglomerato cementizio composto da graniglia di marmo di Carrara e cemento bianco RCK 52,5. Designed exclusively for decorative purposes, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation on facades, garden walls, entrance portals, and architectural features of any style.

The original Bocca della Verità is an ancient marble mask — most likely a Roman-era drain cover dating to the 1st century BC — housed in the portico of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome. Depicting a bearded river god, possibly the Tiber or Oceanus, it became one of the most iconic symbols of the Eternal City. Medieval legend held that anyone who placed a hand in the mouth while telling a lie would have it bitten off, a belief that transformed this ancient architectural fragment into a powerful symbol of truth and justice, immortalised in popular culture through the 1953 film Roman Holiday.

This bas-relief panel lends itself to a wide range of decorative applications: mounted on an exterior facade it evokes the atmosphere of classical Roman architecture; set into a garden wall or alongside a water feature, it becomes a striking focal point; positioned above a doorway or portal, it adds a layer of historical character and symbolic depth. It is equally suited to interior settings such as entrance halls, living rooms, and feature walls where a refined Mediterranean aesthetic is desired.

The Bocca della Verità bas-relief is available in 11 different finishes to complement any architectural context. Options include bianco naturale, bianco antico, tufo, terracotta, Black 2.0, Old London, bronzo, and Antiquariato Design 2.0, among others. Each finish is hand-applied by skilled craftsmen, allowing the piece to integrate seamlessly with both contemporary and traditional surroundings.

Produced in Italy since 1968, every Italpark bas-relief is individually hand-finished to ensure the highest standard of surface quality and detail. Decades of expertise in working with marble-based cement agglomerates result in a product that combines authentic artisanal character with proven durability in outdoor conditions — a lasting decorative investment for gardens, villas, and architectural projects of distinction.