Location: Rome, in front of the Arch of Constantine.
Context: The Arch of Constantine is a significant and debated monument.
Nearby arches: Arch of Titus, Arch of Septimus Severus, and the non-surviving Arch of Marcus Aurelius.
Purpose of Roman Arches
Built to celebrate important military victories.
Unique because it celebrates victory over a Roman rival, not a foreign power.
Sculpture and Art on the Arch
The surface is covered with sculptures from different Roman periods.
Constantine reused sculptures from monuments of earlier emperors (Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Trajan) to associate himself with three of the five "good emperors."
Sculptures from Different Emperors
Figures at the Top:
Freestanding sculptures from Emperor Trajan representing Dacian prisoners.
Represent Dacians (from Romania), identifiable by their beards and clothing.
Panels Between Dacians:
High relief sculptures from Marcus Aurelius' monuments.
Depict various events like the presentation of a client king, reception of prisoners, Marcus Aurelius speaking, and a pre-battle sacrifice.
Additional Panels
On the opposite side, four more panels from Marcus Aurelius depicting:
Arrival into Rome, departure from Rome, distribution of largesse, and submission of prisoners.
Decorative Sculpture and Rondelles
Freestanding columns with Corinthian capitals.
Rondelles from Hadrian's monuments depict hunts and sacrifices to gods.
Emphasize classical style and naturalism, borrowed from Greek tradition.
Constantine's Own Sculptures
Band around the arch telling Constantine's story, likely starting on the west side.
Depictions:
Constantine's army moving to Verona, siege on Verona, Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
Constantine's entry into Rome, distribution of largesse.
Style:
Simplified, less classical, emphasizing clarity and symbolic function.
Symbolism and Interpretation
Early Christian Art:
Constantine's style aligns with early Christian art's emphasis on symbolism over naturalism.
Use of exaggerated features for clarity, Constantine depicted as larger than others.
Additional Decorations and Reliefs
Spandrel sculptures from Constantine's time depict victory figures and Roman gods.
Bases of columns show victories and subjugated barbarians.
Interpretation and Debate
Inner panels inscribed with titles like "Bringer of Peace" and "Liberator of the City."
Many features from previous emperors were recarved to resemble Constantine.
The arch is a complex collage, and its meaning is debated by historians.
Conclusion:
Constantine aimed to place himself among the lineage of good emperors and present himself as a victorious and benevolent ruler.