The Arch of Constantine
Height 69’
Where is it located?
What is its date?
What is its material?
When and who was it dedicated to?
1. Thoroughly discuss how the Arch of Constantine looks back at pubic monuments while simultaneously looking ahead to the future of the Roman Empire.
2. Specifically why was it built? For whom?
3. Explain the significance of its location.
4. Why was this individual so important to the Empire during the Late Empire?
5. Give the significant attributes this particular individual provided to the Roman people?
6. When? and Why?
7. What is the significance of the materials the Arch is made from?
8. Explain the use of human representation throughout the Arch.
9. Explain the significance in different scale to the human figures.
10. Explain the use of fluted Corinthian Tuscan columns and where their history can be traced back to.
11. Explain the use of the Roundels and what they contain.
12. Explain the meaning of the Latin inscription and who it is written for.
13. Explain the symbolism of three barrel arch ways; the largest in the center, flanked by two shorter ones on either side.
---------------------------------------------------------
Figure 3. Unknown. “The Arch of Constantine”
Spolia and marble
69’
Rome, Italy
Ancient Rome has been recognized in creating many of stepping stones for future generations. A handful of amazing creations have come from Rome, especially involving architecture. The Arch of Constantine (Figure 1) is definitely one of these creations that holds a special place in history because of how large it is. It stands almost 70 feet high, has three archways, and is decorated with a range of reliefs and sculptures. At a glance it may seem like a boring old piece of history but, it is actually a very meaningful creation that helped the Romans look ahead to the future.
This giant arch has an interesting backstory to how it came to be. To understand this fully one would have to travel back to Ancient Rome. Rome was full of battles that were based on honor and power. It became accustomed to commemorate warriors/rulers who fought in these battles with art and architecture that showed off their bravery. The Arch of Constantine is no exception, the Roman people wanted to commemorate their emperor Constantine, who ruled in the early 4th century and changed the Roman Empire until his death in 337 CE. According to smarthistroy.org, “The Emperor Constantine, called Constantine the Great, was significant for several reasons. These include his political transformation of the Roman Empire, his support for Christianity, and his founding of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). Constantine’s status as an agent of change also extended into the realms of art and architecture.” Emperor Constantine gave a platform to the Romans who wanted to practice Christianity, he gave the people of safe haven to practice whatever religion they wanted to. He was also really good in battle. At the battle of Milvian Bridge he claimed victory over a Roman tyrant named Maxentius, this battle in particular sparked the building of the arch. Constantine soon became the face for a successful Roman emperor, carrying on the tradition of past emperor’s while changing some rules to make Rome even greater. This emperor made sure that the Romans didn’t forget where they came from, keeping the imperial Roman style alive in art and architecture. The Arch of Constantine is a masterpiece that does Emperor Constantine justice to what he stood for and carries on his legacy for all to see.
What’s even more interesting is where the Romans chose to place this and what materials they used to create it. The Arch of Constantine is placed in the middle of the Colosseum and the temple of Venus and Roma. This location may have been chosen because of how highly regarded Constantine was. The arch is also so huge that it could have been used as a connector between different architecture in Rome. The materials used also suggest how the Roman people felt about Constantine. The arch was made from old and new materials from spolia to marble. Most of the sculptures and pictoral reliefs that make up this arch are actually from different time periods, hence why it is made up of different materials. Corinthian Tuscan columns were used in this arch to help hold up statues as well as provide a stronger, physical foundation for the arch itself. Looking at the style of the columns it is apparent that the Romans took inspiration from the Greeks. This proved even more that the arc was contrasted with pieces throughout time. According to study.com, “The Arch of Constantine was constructed in a short period of time and the builders reused parts of earlier structures and monuments on its decorative surfaces. This wasn't an uncommon practice in Rome, and in this case, the recycling of images was also meant to send a message about Constantine as a leader, because the chosen works reflected other military victories and connected him to earlier prominent leaders.” The decisions made by the Roman people really showed how much they respected Constantine as an emperor. This decision also may have been made because of how Constantine made an effort to make sure that the Imperial art movement didn’t die, he wanted to ensure that Rome’s past wouldn’t be forgotten. To prove this theory even more there were some panels that had a Latin inscription throughout the arch (Figure 2). According to smarthistory.org the translation is, “To the Emperor Caesar Flavius Constantinus, the Greatest, pious, fortunate, the Senate and people of Rome, by inspiration of divinity and his own great mind with his righteous arms on both the tyrant and his faction in one instant in rightful battle he avenged the republic, dedicated this arch as a memorial to his military victory.” This inscription was meant to honor Constantine and to show the loyalty and respect the Romans had for him. It really proved how positively Rome was affected by Constantine as emperor.
The Arch of Constantine had a lot of inspiration from different periods in time and incorporated them in the art as well as the architecture. The main emphasis throughout this arch is the human figures (Figure 3). Even though most of them were taken from previous centuries they sometimes were still meant to represent different people. Since this arch was made to honor Emperor Constantine the statues were made to look more like him. The scenes involving these human figures immortalized Constantine’s battles and the important things that he has done. Roundels, disks/medallions, are used to represent symbols of different shapes. Roundels were used in this instance to represent Constantine and the great emperors before him. What is very interesting is the size of the human reliefs below these medallions. According to ancient.eu, “The frieze scenes situated below each pair of medallions are 1 meter high and commemorate Constantine’s military victories showing the siege of Verona, the battle with Maxentius, a scene addressing the public in the Roman Forum and a gift-giving ceremony.” The size of each human figure really represented/showed the range Constantine had with how he ruled. This arch is full of symbolism not just by the statues/reliefs but also the design itself. The three barrel archways provide an interesting insight on their own. They each represent a triumphal arch which is used to commemorate the military and emperors using a monumental structure. The creation of this arch really shows how celebrated Constantine was and how impactful he was on his people.
The Arch of Constantine is definitely a creation that holds a special place in history because of the meaning behind it and how it was created. This arch managed to bring the past and the future into one masterpiece. It became the foundation of the Roman Empire, creating stepping-stones to its future while at the same time remembering its past. Constantine was a great emperor that will always be honored in this monumental creation. The history of Ancient Rome will live on in the architecture and art created to capture those moments in time.
Works Cited
Cartwright, Mark. “The Arch of Constantine, Rome.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 21 Apr. 2020, www.ancient.eu/article/497/the-arch-of-constantine-rome/.
Findley, Andrew. “Arch of Constantine, Rome.” Smarthistory, smarthistory.org/arch-of-constantine-rome/.
Unknown Artist(s). The Arch of Constantine. 315 CE, Rome, Italy
Unknown Artist(s). The Arch of Constantine. 315 CE, Rome, Italy
Retrieved from https://smarthistory.org/arch-of-constantine-rome/
Unknown Artist(s). The Arch of Constantine. 315 CE, Rome, Italy
--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Art History
Response #⅘
24 April, 2020
“The Arch of Constantine”
In the Roman Empire, many pieces of art have become important landmarks of history. From paintings, to reliefs to even major architecture pieces the Romans have created art that shows their history. A major piece that has survived throughout the years and represents a positive time period of the empire is “The Arch of Constantine.” This piece was beautifully built and was created for one Emperor specifically, Constantine.
Constantine was a very important leader to the Romans, so much that they created this arch to show his power and victory over Maxentius. Constantine fought Maxentius in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge and defeated him bearing the symbol of Christ from the Christian faith. Before and even during the beginning of his reign, the empire was being ruled in a military fashion. The people were not given freedom in many ways and felt they were being ruled by a tyrant under Maxentius. Then Constantine came into battle against Maxentius and won. The people were grateful to him for what he had done in freeing them from Maxentius. After Constantine gained control of the Roman Empire he created the Edict of Milan in 313 C.E. This gave all people freedom of religion, even to Catholics. This could be because of his catholic mother’s influence. It was because of his great kindness and heroism to the people that they created a monument for him called “The Arch of Constantine.”
“The Arch of Constantine” was created in 312 to 315 C.E. It was then dedicated to Constantine on July 25, 315. The arch, itself, was created out of old monuments from the three emperors before Constantine, Emperor Trajan, Emperor Hadrian, and Emperor Marcus Aurelius. These emperors had monuments created for them as well and when the people wanted to make Constantine a monument, they took apart these monuments to create the “Arch of Constantine.” In having the monument created from older monuments, it connected the Roman ideals of courage and strength from the past to Constantine and his victory. They used these pieces to build the arch, which was located in Rome between the Colosseum and the temple of Venus and Roma. In having the arch between these two important public buildings, it showed the importance of the history of Rome connecting to the public. The empire wanted people to remember how strong they were. In placing it in the public, it would show how much the people and the empire adored Constantine and what he had done for them. Not only did the people create such a beautiful statue of Constantine’s victory over Maxentius, but they also had the arch inscribed and dedicated to him. According to Jen Pepper, a Art History teacher at Cazenovia College, the inscription says "Emperor Constantine from the Senate and the Roman People. Since through divine inspiration and great wisdom he has delivered the state from the tyrant and his party by his army and noble arms, we dedicate this arch, decorated with triumphal insignia."(Pepper. Chapter 6:The Ancient Roman World). The people saw him as their savior against Maxentius and wanted to thank him for the freedom he had given them. The people built the arch in a specific way for Constantine from the columns and archways to the depictions of people.
The archways in “The Arch of Constantine” are of two different sizes. There is one large arch in the middle and two smaller arches on the sides of the main arch. This is thought to have been done purposefully to represent the three emperors that came before him. In each archway a relief can be seen about Constantine, but it is still visible in terms of some of the original reliefs that were done for these emperors. This could be the reason there are three archways, each one represents one of the emperors and then Constantine is on all aspects of it, showing his importance is equal to many of the well known and loved emperors. Well there are the archways that represent important people from the past, other aspects of the arch have new ideas and images for Constantine, such as roundels.
The roundels found in the arch are another element that was taken from other monuments. They were circular images that contained depictions of sacrifices and hunts. They were placed on the arch and would later be modified according to Constantine. Some of the images had the original emperor on them so Constantine modified them so they would depict himself. In doing this, he also would change the way that the people in the images would be represented. In the images the main person can clearly be seen. Constantine can be seen clearly in the depictions of the hunts and sacrifices. He can also be clearly seen in the depiction of his address to the people of Rome. The reason he is so easily seen is because they had the size of the people change depending on their importance. As Constantine was clearly the center of the entire project, he is depicted on a rather large scale, while the people behind him are often smaller because they are not considered on the same scale as the political and religious leader. Each person was sized according to their importance to the scene and many times the people other than Constantine and his military were depicted rather small. With this idea, humans in these images were not depicted as individuals. They were all similar when they were in the background and showed no individualization. Even though Constantine was depicted in his details, others were not because they were not the focal point of the arch. The individualization of art at this time was done and gone and this can clearly be seen in the arch’s reliefs. Well there were reliefs that were places on the arch, there was also another important aspect of roman art on it, the columns.
On the arch, there can be seen columns that are not like many columns seen in history. These columns are called fluted Corinthian Tuscan columns and were created from a variety of ideas, some even from different cultures. Corinthian columns were created by the Greeks and had distinct features well having a very plain base. These columns would have a base, fluted columns and elaborate capitals with acanthus leaves. Tuscan columns were created by the Romans and were completely plain and undecorated. In combining the elegance of the greek columns and the simplicity of the roman columns, the Romans were taking what they based their own art and cultural ways on and adding their own style to it. Well the corinthian columns can be traced back to ancient Greece, in having some simple elements on the capitals and bases, the Romans were showing that they had adapted a culture to fit themselves. This made the arch appear to be its own. Just as all the elements of the arch come together, they connect both the past of Rome and the future.
“The Arch of Constantine” was created from many aspects of the past from the influence of the Greeks on the columns to the use of monuments that were created for past emperors. Well the people were looking at the past to show their elements of power, fierceness and courage, it connected the people to the future. In using older materials, it shows that the people are accepting a time of change. They are just focusing on the past but on how they can use the past to build their future. This can especially be seen in the placement of the arch as it was built between two important buildings, the Colosseum and a temple. These were two aspects of Rome that were often important to people in the past. The people were focused on sports and activity but also on worshipping their gods. The monument itself was created with pieces of the past. It showed that well the people respect the past enough to keep some of the old ways and monuments, they were accepting change. They were changing their culture to reflect their own growth in the future. In the future, the Roman Empire would grow and have many different cultures within them. This shows that in creating the arch, the people were looking back at their past well accepting a change in their future.
The Romans were a very advanced civilization and created many wonderful pieces of art. “The Arch of Constantine” is well known today and is still seen as an important aspect of the Romans’ history. It shows the ideas of the past playing an important part in the future. It showed people using what they learned to better the empire’s future. This piece of art is a stepping stone for the Roman Empire in terms of moving forward with their own culture and making their own empire grow.
The Arch of Constantine
Height 69’
Located in Rome, Italy.
Dated 312-315 C.E.
Made of marble.
Was dedicated to Constantine July 25, 315 C.E.
Bibliography
- Findley , Andrew. “Arch of Constantine (Article) | Late Empire.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, 2020, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/late-empire/a/arch-of-constantine.
- Pepper, Jen. “NOTES: Chapter 6 > The Ancient Roman World.” NOTES: Chapter 6 > The Ancient Roman World, Blogger , 6 Apr. 2020, sp2020cazfa111.blogspot.com/2020/04/notes-chapter-6-ancient-roman-world.html.
- Pepper, Jen. “‘The Arch of Constantine’ .” SP2020.CAZ.FA111.ARTHISTORYONE SEARCH, Blogger , 2020, 1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FLSL5StWN4/XpojTLDJZMI/AAAAAAAANpg/5DCrCRGSaFI0MNe8RE7KVQFzreIMgp1GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg.
- Stokstad, Marilyn and Cothren Michael. Art a Brief History. Pearson, 2016.
- The National Gallery. “Roundels | Glossary | National Gallery, London.” The National Gallery , Credit Suisse , 2020, www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/glossary/roundels.
FA-111
Prof. Jen Pepper
4/21/2020
Review Response #4/5
The Arch of Constantine
H: 69Ft
Rome
315 CE
grey and white Proconnesian marble
It was dedicated to Constantine the Great
The Arch of Constantine was erected in 315 CE to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Constantine the Great’s reign over Rome. As a gift to him and Rome the carvings created on it were to signify and commemorate his triumph over a Roman tyrant known as Maxentius. This monument was made to share the story of Constantine as well as show of his power and prowess in battle for the generations of Romans who would proceed him.
Constantine the Great was a very important leader in the history of Roman culture. After a long battle, known as the Battle of Milvian Bridge at the Entrance of Rome, Constantine wanted to show his gratitude to his people who had fought bravely to defend their city. He ended the prosecutions of Christians and recognized Christianity as an accepted religion of Rome. This was made possible as some believe his mother helped push this idea, but on the day before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine had reported seeing a cross in the sky and having a dream where Christ told him to bear the cross into battle. Following this command Constantine won against Maxentius and afterwards changed previous rulings on Christianity.
This arch was erected in combination with his victory and previous victors of the Roman culture. It was to signify Rome’s continuation of strong rulers and continuation of the most successful rulers in both battle and government. The arch was not newly created, but rather morphed from previous monuments. Some of the statues were recreated and brought in from another monument which celebrated Marcus Aurelius' victory over the Germans. This was important to Roman culture as it stood on Rome’s Triumphal Route. The Rome Triumph is a parade held in the city of Rome to celebrate their military commanders who had protected their city and won many battles. It was also a source of Roman Senate propaganda which reminded people of the glory of Rome.
The Arch of Constantine was made of Proconnesian marble, which originated from Greece, which was formed into three archways, one in the middle being higher than the two on the sides. The three arches with detached columns was first used in the Arch of Septimius Severus in the Roman Forum which was an important government building in Rome. On each side of the arches stood four columns made with Numidian yellow marble, which also came from Greece. Each column also sat on top a pedestal with the top having an entablature, which is an intricate design of a lintel which helped keep the arch from falling apart. These columns were reminiscent of a type of Greek column known as a Corinthian, these types of columns were ornate and thin as well as highly decorated and most of the time had fluted columns.
The designs in the arch were mostly from older monuments with some parts being remade or changed, like the replacement of another ruler's head with Constantine. The statues on the top of the columns were taken from the Forum of Trajan, the angel like women over the arches were to depict victory, on a side of the arch there is a depiction of Marcus Aurelius’ victory. Within the piece there is also a frieze showing the fight between Constantine's troops and Maxentius's troops. The arches themselves held the story of Constantine and his entrance to Rome and his rule. In other sculptures upon the arch were known as roundels, there were eight of them which depicted the story of Hadrian. These roundels showed many things like, hunts, sacrifices, and a depiction of the Roman god of the woods. Of all these statues it is surprising that Constantine’s additions were smaller than those of previous rulers. Though some of these large sculptures were depictions of gods or of captives taken, this was to show respect for the gods and those who died in battle as the ultimate sacrifice for your city.
Finally, the last thing upon the Arch of Constantine is the inscription written in Latin.
12. Explain the meaning of the Latin inscription and who it is written for. Originally gilded in bronze it reads,
“IMP CAES FL CONSTANTINO MAXIMO P F AUGUSTO SPQR QUOD INSTINCTU DIVINITATIS MENTIS MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITU SUO TAM DE TYRANNO QUAM DE OMNI EIUS FACTIONE UNO TEMPORE IUSTIS REM PUBLICAM ULTUS EST ARMIS ARCUM TRIUMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT” (Cartwright 4). This Latin inscription translates to, “To the emperor Flavius Constantine the Great pious and fortunate, the Senate and People of Rome because by divine inspiration and his own greatness of spirit with his army on both the tyrant and all his faction at once in rightful battle he avenged the State dedicated this arch as a mark of triumph (Claridge, 308)” (Cartwright 4).
What this means is that the Arch of Constantine, like many monuments in America, is dedicated to the rulers of Rome and the Romans who fought and won many battles in their history, and that this arch signifies the power of the Romans in battle.
The Arch of Constantine has stood for many, many years and is still a depiction of Roman strength and architectural ability to create. As the pride of Romans this arch is an important step in both art and political history.
Word Count: 878
Works Cited
Cartwright, Mark, “The Arch of Constantine, Rome”, Ancient History Encyclopedia, June 9, 2013, https://www.ancient.eu/article/497/the-arch-of-constantine-rome/.
Cartwright, Mark, “Roman Triumph”, Ancient History Encyclopedia, May 5, 2016, https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Triumph/.
Findley, Andrew, “Arch of Constantine”, Khan Academy, 2018, https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/late-empire/a/arch-of-constantine.
Pepper Jen, “New Ancient Greece Chapter 5”, BlogSpot, March 23 2020, https://sp2020cazfa111.blogspot.com/2020/03/new-ancient-greece-chapter-5.html.
---------------------------------------------------------
Prof. Pepper
Art History I
April 24, 2020
Arch of Constantine
At 69 feet, the Arch of Constantine is the largest triumphal arch that stands to date (Chitham 77). Dedicated to Emperor Constantine on July 25th, 315 in commemoration of his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, this arch is located along the Via triumphalis in Rome, between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill (Stokstad and Cothren 154). This location is significant as it is the route that Constantine and his army traveled in a triumphant procession to the city. Further, the Arch was a highly visible example of architecture, linking this area of Rome to the major entertainment and shopping places in central Rome.
Constantine the Great, as he was called, was known for many accomplishments. These include his political transformation of the Roman Empire and his effective halting of Christian persecution. In 313 CE, Constantine issued a letter, The Edict of Milan, granting all people in the Roman Empire the freedom to worship whatever God they wish. Tolerance and acceptance of his people, along with his bravery in his defeat of Maxentius show his fine attributes.
The Arch of Constantine is constructed from brick and marble. It is important to note that some of this material was used from other monuments. Additionally, statues and sculptures from earlier monuments were made part of the Arch in a move to associate the emperor to other Roman emperors who were held in high regard; these include Emperor Trajan and Emperor Hadrian (Chitham 103).
The use of human representation could be conceptualized as an appeal to greatness. It signifies exemplary leadership. In effect, Constantine was making a bold statement that he was worthy of the crown of leadership. The inclusion of reliefs as well as statues from earlier monuments is a symbolic act of ‘appointing’ Constantine as heir to all the great leaders before him.
The sculptures of humans of different scale, shows the hierarchical, two-dimensional approach the artists took. The emphasis was on authority and power, rather than on individual form, with the higher power being on a larger scale (Stokstad and Cothren 156).
Notice the four fluted Corinthian Tuscan columns separated by three-barrel archways on this massive monument pictured below. The history of the fluting can be traced to Greek architects who used this rhythmic form of architecture as a key element of design (Chatham 71). Above each of the lower arches and around the monument, roundels depict reliefs showing historical events related to Constantine. For example, one with a boar hunt demonstrates his courage and physical prowess (Stokstad and Cothren 156).
Figure 1 The Arch of Constantine
Rome. 312-315 CE (dedicated July 25, 315 CE
Height about 69’ (21 m)
Above the center archway, on both sides, are identical marble panels with a Latin inscription that can translated to mean that Constantine is the rightful ruler of the Western Empire, and Maxentius, the tyrant. Additionally, it attributes the victory to his “great mind” and devotion to Christianity.
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Response 4/5
The Arch of Constantine one of the most recognizable arches located in Rome stands at 69’ made from grey and white Proconnesian marble. This arch was dedicated by the Senate on July 25th 315 CE to mark the 10th anniversary of Constantine’s reign and his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. The Arch of Constantine was specifically built to demonstrate and honor once again Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. It was built for the residents and visitors to see in order to remember such a great victory. The location is significant because it was a highly visible example of connective architecture that linked the Roman Forum to major entertainment complexes in Rome. Today it stands next to the famous Coliseum. Constantine was a very important figure to the Empire during the Late Empire. Constantine was such an important figure because he had established the Edict of Milan in 313 CE. The Edict of Milan was a religious tolerance for all and had allowed people the freedom to believe in any god they wanted. Constantine had given many attributes to the Roman people. Some of those being the great victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE which had marked the beginning of Constantine’s conversion to Christianity. Constantine and his soldiers had believed that the Christian God sent them a vision of a promise victory in the Chi-Rho which is the first two letters of Christs name in Greek. This victory had then led to the Edict of Milan in 313 CE which gave the Roman people again the freedom to believe in any god. Therefore, why the famous Arch was created. The materials used to create this piece is just as important. The materials used in making the Arch happened to be recycled materials from the 1st and 2nd century CE monuments such as the Arch of Marcus Aurelius. The Arch of Constantine had Luna marble panels for the attic that were taken from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius (c. 176 CE). There are eight white Luna marble medallions on the north and south façades are from the lost monument that was in honor of Hadrian. There are two frieze panels that depict human representation through the arch as well a few others. The first panel depicts Trajan or Domitian on campaign riding a horse and charging barbarians. However, the head of this was made re-sculpted to look like Constantine's. Next the second panel demonstrates Constantine being crowned by Victory. Each column base also carries sculpture depicting winged victories holding palm fronds. They used these columns as another recycled material and were used to reflect an architecture Ancient Greeks had used. Above the monuments arches reads the following Latin transcript
“IMP CAES FL CONSTANTINO MAXIMO
P F AUGUSTO SPQR
QUOD INSTINCTU DIVINITATIS MENTIS
MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITU SUO
TAM DE TYRANNO QUAM DE OMNI EIUS
FACTIONE UNO TEMPORE IUSTIS
REM PUBLICAM ULTUS EST ARMIS
ARCUM TRIUMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT” this then translates too
P F AUGUSTO SPQR
QUOD INSTINCTU DIVINITATIS MENTIS
MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITU SUO
TAM DE TYRANNO QUAM DE OMNI EIUS
FACTIONE UNO TEMPORE IUSTIS
REM PUBLICAM ULTUS EST ARMIS
ARCUM TRIUMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT” this then translates too
“To the emperor Flavius Constantine the Great
pious and fortunate, the Senate and People of Rome
because by divine inspiration and his own greatness of spirit
with his army
on both the tyrant and all his
faction at once in rightful
battle he avenged the State
dedicated this arch as a mark of triumph.”
pious and fortunate, the Senate and People of Rome
because by divine inspiration and his own greatness of spirit
with his army
on both the tyrant and all his
faction at once in rightful
battle he avenged the State
dedicated this arch as a mark of triumph.”
The roundels are also a significant part to the arch. The roundels are set in pairs and depict a successful lion hunt, a boar hunt, a bear hunt, and sacrificial ceremonies. The sacrificial ceremonies honor Hercules, Apollo, Diana and Silvanus. All the above are carved in high relief. The Arch of Constantine is a significant structure and we are lucky to be able to have it around today.
Word Count 635
Works Cited
Cartwright, Mark. "The Arch of Constantine, Rome." Ancient History Encyclopedia, 21 Apr. 2020, www.ancient.eu/article/497/the-arch-of-constantine-rome/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2020.
Finley, Andrew. "Arch of Constantine (article) | Late empire." Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/late-empire/a/arch-of-constantine. Accessed 24 Apr. 2020.
Mathews, J.F, and Donald MacGillivray Nicol. "Constantine I." Encyclopædia Britannica, 15 Oct. 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Constantine-I-Roman-emperor. Accessed 24 Apr. 2020.
Pepper, Jen. “NOTES: Jewish, Early Christian + Byzantine Art Chapter #7” NOTES: Jewish, Early Christian + Byzantine Art Chapter #7” Blogger, 20 Apr. 2020, https://sp2020cazfa111.blogspot.com/2020/04/notes-jewish-early-christian-byzantine.html
---------------------------------------------------------
Art history
Professor Pepper
April 16, 2020
Weekly response #4
The Arch of Constantine
Rome. 312–315 ce (dedicated July 25, 315 ce). Height about 69′ (21 m).
(Stokstad, Marilyn. Art (p. 155))
The Arch of Constantine looks back on public monuments while still looking into the furfure of the Roman Empire. This monument, built in 315 A.D, is located in Rome along the Via Triumphails. Findly states that “The monumental arch stands approximately 20 meters high, 25 meters wide, and 7 meters deep.” (Findly) This location had a very significant impact on the ancient romans. For example, Dr. Andrew Findley also writes, “This location was significant, as the arch was a highly visible example of connective architecture that linked the area of the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum) to the major entertainment and public bathing complexes of central Rome.” (Findley) To clarify, this location allowed architecture to connect entertainment and bathing complexes in the city of Rome. This monument was built here because The Arch of Constantine was built to celebrate and bring acknowledgement to a military victory. Constantine defeated emperor Maxentius, who at the time ruled Rome. With Constantine winning this battle, he took over and led the Roman Empire to convert their religion to Christianity. Constantine is viewed as a very important person to this empire, because when he converted the Romans to Christianity, they were able to worship this religion freely. Due to Constantine’s win “Rome awarded Constantine with a triumphant arch, which was hastily erected and dedicated in 315 AD.” (Przybylek)
This arch is made up of the marble and other “recycled” materials from various monuments. These recycled materials were taken to show the significance of Constantine’s power. For instance, some of the reused materials were Roundels. Within the arch, four sets of two roundels that were reused from a monument to Hadrian can be seen. They were made around 130-138 CE and depict “sacrifices to the gods Silvanus, Apollo, Diana and Hercules.” (The Arch of Constantine). Constantine had these reliefs removed from the original monument and put onto his arch because he wanted the power that emperor Hadrian had to reflect on him and his reign. (Stokstad, Marilyn. Art (p. 156). “Reliefs were made to narrate the story of Constantine's victory and symbolize his power.” (Pepper) There is a Latin inscription incorporated to The Arch of Constantine which states, “To the Emperor Caesar Flavius Constantin’s, the Greatest, pious, fortunate, the Senate and people of Rome, by inspiration of divinity and his own great mind with his righteous arms on both the tyrant and his faction in one instant in rightful battle he avenged the republic, dedicated this arch as a memorial to his military victory,” (Findley) This inscription was written as a dedication of the arch to Constantine for becoming emperor of a united empire.
Within this sculpture three-barrel arches can be sent as well. There is a big one in the center and two smaller ones on either side. Within these barrel arches there is a lot of symbolism, which is based on the size of these barrel arches. Human representation that is based on the size of them is reflected as well. For example, the Human representation was used to depict his troops that were in battle, as well as Maxentius troops. The significance in size of the human representation is shown through the people that are depicted. For instance, Constantine is one of the most important emperors in Rome, this arch was made for him. The three arches are all the same ratio and divided by Corinthian columns. The history of these columns can be traced back to Early Roman Architecture.
Overall, The Arch of Constantine is very significant in many ways. The history behind the monument is essential to the Roman empire. Constantine was considered to be a great ruler and led the Roman empire to many advancements and new ways of thinking such as religion and art. Furthermore, The Arch of Constantine brought artistic significance, religion, and history from other areas into the Roman empire.
Word Count: 768
Work cited:
“Chapter Six, Etruscan and Roman Art .” Art a Brief History, by Marilyn and Cothren Michael. Stokstad, Pearson, 2016, pp. 154–157.
Findley, Andrew. “Arch of Constantine (Article) | Late Empire.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/late-empire/a/arch-of-constantine.
Findley, Andrew. “Arch of Constantine, Rome.” Smarthistory, smarthistory.org/arch-of-constantine-rome/.
Hotep, Amon. “The Arch of Constantine.” RaceandHistory.com, www.raceandhistory.com/Europe/constantine.html.
Pepper, Jen. “NOTES: Jewish, Early Christian + Byzantine Art Chapter #7.” NOTES: Jewish, Early Christian + Byzantine Art Chapter #7, 2020, sp2020cazfa111.blogspot.com/2020/04/notes-jewish-early-christian-byzantine.html.
Przybylek, Stephanie. “Arch of Constantine: Architecture & History.” STUDY.COM, study.com/academy/lesson/arch-of-constantine-architecture-history.html.