Why is the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius so important?
The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius depicts the famous Roman Emperor on horseback. The emperor is over life-size and extends his hand in a gesture used by emperors when addressing their army and legions. It is an image designed to portray the Emperor as victorious and all-conquering.
Why was the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius not melted down?
The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius built the statue likely towards the end of his reign from 161-180 AD. It was believed that the Senate dedicated the statue to Constantine, which in turn prevented it from being melted down as recyclable bronze.
Who made the equestrian sculpture of Marcus Aurelius?
The painter and draftsman Hubert Robert, who spent eleven years in Rome (1754-65) studying at the French Academy, is known for his picturesque capriccios – views of the city combining real and imaginary ancient monuments. This capriccio features the famous ancient bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Why is the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius one of the few bronze statues from ancient Rome that we have in existence today?
This monumental bronze equestrian statue, inarguably one of the most extraordinary artworks that has come down to us from antiquity, was created to commemorate Marcus Aurelius’ great victories over Germanic tribes in 176 CE, or possibly posthumously to honor his prosperous reign (161-180 CE), when he, was canonized as …
What does it mean when a horse statue has one leg up?
What is the horse statue myth? If the horse is posed with one front leg up, it means the rider was wounded in battle or died of battle wounds. And if all four hooves are on the ground, the rider died from causes outside of battle.
How does the equestrian portrait of Marcus Aurelius convey the power of the emperor?
How does the equestrian portrait of Marcus Aurelius convey the power of the emperor? it shows the power of the emperor through the superhuman granduer and how the horse is positioned, suggesets an enemy cowarded there beneath him, begging for mercy. also he is bigger than the horse and his arm is extended.
How did the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius survive until the present?
It is the only equestrian statue to survive antiquity until the present time. Its preservation is attributed to a mistaken identification of the Emperor as Constantine, who legalized Christianity in the Roman Emperor and thus was looked upon kindly by the early Church.
Why are cities filled with metal men on horseback?
Equestrian statues were a sign of cultural status. They were expensive and complicated to design, necessitating an artist to tackle both the human form and the movement of a horse. The imposing statues also physically and symbolically elevated a recent ruler to an ancient paragon.
What did Marcus Aurelius do?
Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. His reign (161–180 CE) marked the end of a period of internal tranquility and good government. After his death the empire quickly descended into civil war. He has symbolized the Golden Age of the Roman Empire for many generations in the West.
Where is the statue of Marcus Aurelius?
Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, c. 173-76 C.E. gilded bronze (Capitoline Museums, Rome). The original location of the sculpture is unknown.
How many horses did Marcus Aurelius have?
Marcus Aurelius ruled 161-180 C.E. In ancient Rome equestrian statues of emperors would not have been uncommon sights in the city—late antique sources suggest that at least 22 of these “great horses” ( equi magni) were to be seen—as they were official devices for honoring the emperor for singular military and civic achievements.
What is Marcus Aurelius’statue made of?
Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ statue was built sometime around the 170s CE, and is made of gilded bronze. At 11 feet 6 inches tall, it’s an impressive portrait.
Why did Marcus Aurelius build the Roman Empire’s equestrian monument?
We know that Marcus Aurelius celebrated a triumph in 176 C.E. for his victories over German and Sarmatian tribes, leading some to suggest that year as the occasion for the creation of the equestrian monument.