Colossus of Constantine

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https://smarthistory.org/the-colossus-of-constantine/

 

Constantine became the Western emperor in 312. Later, in 324 he became the sole Roman emperor.  He was also the first emperor to follow Christianity. In 33n his deathbed he delivered a proclamation that secured Christians in the empire. He was last pagan roman emperor and ushers in Christianity and changes in Italy.

The colossal statue of Constantine originated in the Basilica Nova in Rome. The fragments were found at the end of the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine. It could have filled that space and was meant for that placement. Michelangelo brought it to the Capitoline hill, the ancient government center The portrait of Constantine is one of the most significant figures of Late Antiquity.

 In 1486, only fragments of the statue were discovered in the western apse of the Basilica Nova. The remains are now on display at the Palazzo dei Conservatori of Capitoline Museums in the courtyard.  The sculpture was made of different materials. The head, neck, the right leg from the knee to its foot, the left leg below the knee and the knee and the left foot, part of the right arm, and the right hand were all made of Carrara and Parian marble.  The statue was meant to be very large. The head and neck is about 2.5 meters and its remaining hand is 1.66 meters. From these measurements it is assumed that the statue was Originally 40 feet high. Also, based on the positioning and anatomy of the remains, it is believed that the figure was in a sitting position. Giving a very powerful pose for the emperor, most like placed on a pedestal. Other materials that were probably used for the sculpture was bronze for the mantel included with Constantine.  The body was assumed to have had a core made of wood. Surrounding the core was most likely brick that was covered in bronze.

  That detail in the emperor’s face was structured differently than other portraits at the time. What made the face so unique was its dimpled chin, a strong and square jawline, well structured locks of hair, and a curved nose. The eyes also gave an abstract feel to the piece because they are so large and slightly un-proportioned with the rest of the features. Most roman emperor sculptures had a lot of idealism and realism so they can be easily identified. However this one did not. It is assumed that the reasoning for this was to give the piece a deeper feel using abstract features. The emperor seems to be looking beyond us and beyond the traditional ways of how art represents leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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