The surviving remnants were later removed from the Basilica and placed in the nearby Palazzo dei Conservatori Courtyard by Michelangelo, who was working in the area. The marble portions of the statue were brought to light in 1486. The Colossus was pillaged sometime in Late Antiquity, most likely for the bronze body portions. Precise dating of the statue itself is problematical it has been suggested that a date of 312–315 for the initial creation of the statue is likely from political considerations, whilst a substantial reworking of the features some time after 325 is indicated on art-historical grounds. With these changes, including the great statue in the west apse, Constantine publicly and visibly declared his overthrow of his vanquished adversary. Constantine seems to have reorientated the building, changing the site of the principal entrance and adding a new northern apse. Constantine completed the Basilica after he defeated Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. The Basilica, on the northern boundary of the Forum, was begun in 307 by Co-Emperor Maxentius. The sculptor has conceived this countenance as a holy mask, an overpowering cult object resembling, though on a far greater scale, the icons of future Byzantium: an idol animated with the divine presence, and with the power to repel the demons lurking in pagan images." History "Here was the man at whose court.writers felt it appropriate to speak of the 'Divine Face' and 'Sacred Countenance'. The treatment of the head shows a synthesis of individualistic portraiture: aquiline nose, deep jaw and prominent chin characteristic of all images of Constantine, with the trends of Late Roman portraiture which focus on symbolism and abstraction, rather than detail.Ĭonstantine is enthroned in this great public work in unapproachable grandeur, like the effigy of a god, although he is really intended to reflect the Christian deity. The head was perhaps meant to convey the transcendence of the other-worldly nature of the Emperor over the human sphere, notable in its larger-than-life eyes which gaze toward eternity from a rigidly impersonal, frontal face. The great head is carved in a typical, abstract, Constantinian style (“hieratic emperor style”) of late Roman portrait statues, whereas the other body parts are naturalistic, even down to callused toes and bulging forearm veins. "Through this sign of salvation, which is the true symbol of goodness, I rescued your city and freed it from the tyrant's yoke, and through my act of liberation I restored the Senate and People of Rome to their ancient renown and splendor." (Medals that Constantine minted around this time show him so decorated.) An inscription is said to have been engraved below the statue: The statue's hand may have held a staff with the sacred monogram XP affixed to it. The head is about 2½ meters high and each foot is over 2 meters long. Judging by the size of the remaining pieces, the seated, enthroned figure would have been about 12 meters (40 feet) high. not only the church itself as a whole may surpass all others whatsoever in beauty, but that the details of the building may be of such a kind that the fairest structures in any city of the empire may be excelled by this.And as to the columns and marbles, whatever you shall judge, after actual inspection of the plan, to be especially precious and serviceable, be diligent to send information to us in writing, in order that whatever quantity or sort of materials we shall esteem from your letter to be needful, may be procured from every quarter, as required, for it is fitting that the most marvelous place in the world should be worthily decorated.The great head, arms and legs of the Colossus were carved from white marble, while the rest of the body consisted of a brick core and wooden framework, possibly covered with gilded bronze. "Such is our Saviour's grace, that no power of language seems adequate to describe the wondrous circumstance to which I am about to refer.Indeed, the nature of this miracle as far transcends the capacity of human reason as heavenly things are superior to human affairs.I have no greater care than how I may best adorn with a splendid structure that sacred spot.
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