Object Analysis: The Equestrian Statue Of Marcus Aurelius
Ringin Sherpa
Medieval Art and History
Object Analysis
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, c. 175 CE.
The Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, c. 175 CE. depicts the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus on a horse. Aurelius was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 161-180 C.E. It is an over life-sized statue made up of bronze and approximately 4.24 meters tall (1). The original location of the statue is unknown, but is believed to be erected in the beginning of 8th century (1). It was placed in the center of the Piazza del Campidoglio in 1538 by Michelangelo, but later moved to the Capitoline Museums for conservation. There were many Equestrian statue made in Rome at this period. Many of them were destroyed by Christians because they were believed to be pagan idols. The statue of Aurelius was spared because it was misidentified with another Roman Emperor, Constantine (2). The statue remains as one of the finest pieces of Roman art work. It has played a significant role in Roman arts, and culture, and influenced great minds like, Michelangelo (1).
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The emperor is seen raising his right hand with palm facing down which can be interpreted as posture of adlocutio. This posture indicates that Aurelius was about to give a speech to his citizens or his army. The horses’ right foreleg is raised while its left foreleg is planted on the ground. Its head is leaning to the right side with its mouth open slightly. The horse is modeled very carefully which can be proven by his muscular body structure. Furthermore, the folds in the horse’s necks makes the statue authentic and naturalistic. The statue is well detailed, and demonstrates the skills and the accomplishment of Roman craftsman in that period. Back in the day, the statue seems to be covered with a thin layer of gold or other metal. Most of the gold is degraded but you can still find some golden luster throughout the
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