The Colossus of Constantine can be found in the Musei Capitolini. This statue was contructed during the years 312-315, and reworked in 325. All that remains today of this once 40ft seated statue is the head and extremedies. The surviving pieces were crafted out of marble, unlike the core which was fashioned out of brick and wood.
The original resting place of this statue west apse of the Basilica of Maxentius, the largest builing in the Forum Romanum. This form of artwork was often commissioned to show the power and wealth of the patronage. The monumental size of this statue speaks volumes as to the domination of the emperor Constantine.
The foot of this grand statue captivated me the most - I felt like it had personality, as well as innate detail. The foot is a symbolic body part. In religious circles, a naked foot means respect: Muslims remove their shoes before entering mosques, Moses approached the burning bush barefooted, and priests serving in the Tabernacle do so without shoes. Barefeet can also be a sign of mourning (Ezekiel 24:17). Furthermore, the foot is said to represent the soul, "as it serves to support the entire body and keep it upright." (Meij)
Constantine, the vanguard for Christianity in the Roman Empire, may have known some of the significance of being portaryed without sandals. But even if he didn't, the remnants of his feet do portray one of the differences between Roman and Greek art. All Greek sculptures are freestanding and are only supported by their own two feet. Roman sculpture, which was copied from the Greeks, always needed structural support. Although this little fact does not directly apply with our seated Colossus of Constantine, it is interesting to note that thousands of years lates, Constantine's foot is still on solid ground.
Statue of Dying St. Sebastian
Located on the Via Appia Antica is the Basilica of St. Sebastian. This basilica is one of seven pilgrimage sites in Rome. Here, the body of St. Sebastian is buried under a statue of him, pierced with arrows, dying. The tomb is located under a small chapel that is set into the left wall of the basilica. The chapel was ordered by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century.
The statue itself is about eight feet long and three feet high, situated behind an iron gate. It looks to be made out of all marble, which, as seen in my photo below, creates dynamic contrast with the chapel. Antonio Giorgetti, a pupil of the acclaimed Bernini, created the statue. The statue itself may have been made after one of Bernini's own drawings. The scene depicted in the statue is actually the failed martyrdom of St. Sebastian. Diocletian ordered that Sebastian be tied to a tree and shot with arrows. He was left for dead, but nursed back to health by another Christian. Upon his recovery, St. Sebastian returned back to the Imperial Palace to proclaim his faith and be sentenced to death again.
St. Sebastian was known for having devout faith, which inspired conversions of those he came into contact with. Although his faith was strong, it was kept a secret while he rose up in the ranks of the Roman army. When he was found out, he was sentenced to death. But, centuries laters, St. Sebastian's unwavering faith still inspires people, including the pilgrims who deepen their faith on their journey to his tomb.
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