Italian school of the early nineteenth century.

Italian school of the early nineteenth century.
"Equestrian figure of Marcus Aurelius.
Follows capitoline models.
Patinated bronze.
Ebony wood pedestal.
Measurements: 39 x 17 x 33 cm (sculpture); 12 x 17 x 31 cm (pedestal).

Anonymous sculpture of Italian school of the neoclassical period, which is a version of the effigy of Marcus Aurelius on horseback that was made in the second century and is preserved in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. A copy of the same is found on the Capotilina hill. In the version in small fromato that we show the hand of a remarkable bronze artist is evident. The central theme of the statue is divine power and grandeur, with the emperor holding out his hand, in a gesture very characteristic of imperial portraits. In this case, the gesture may also signify clemency towards a fallen enemy at the horse's feet, which according to some historians based on medieval accounts that specify that the statue also showed a barbarian chieftain squatting before the horse's front right leg. This image was intended to show the emperor as an ever-victorious and conquering lord of the land. However, by not wearing weapons or armor, Marcus Aurelius seems to convey more of an image of peace than of a military hero, as he perceived himself and his kingdom.