Like the other five "talking statues", pasquinades – irreverent satires poking fun at public figures – were posted beside Abate Luigi in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The statue is a late Roman sculpture of a standing man in a toga, probably a senior magistrate.

After being moved to various locations in Rome, the statue has been situated in the piazza Vidoni since 1924, near its place of discovery, on a side wall of the Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle.

The original identity of the person depicted has not been determined, and it was named after a clergyman from the nearby chiesa del Sudario.

I was a citizen of Ancient Rome Now all call me Abbot Louis Along with Marforio and Pasquino I conquer Eternal fame for Urban Satire I received offences, disgrace, and burial, till here I found new life and finally safety