Title: Arch of Constantine

View Description: Complete view of North side.

Creator: Anonymous

Subject:

  • Constantine I, Emperor of Rome, d. 337
  • ARCHES, TRIUMPHAL
  • Spolia (Hadrian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius)
  • Battle of the Milvian Bridge
  • Victory over Maxentius
  • Christianity
  • Sun
  • Milan

Culture: Roman

Period: Roman Imperial

Century: 4 CE

Dates: 312 -315

Work Dates: 312 -315

Country: Italy

Current Site: Rome, ITA

Notes:

  • [Creation Notes] The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the latest of the extant triumphal arches in Rome, from which it differs by spolia, the extensive re-use of parts of earlier buildings. The general design, with a main part structured by detached columns and an attic with the main inscription above, is modelled after the example of the Arch of Septimius Severus on the Roman Forum. It has been suggested that the lower part of the arch is re-used from an older monument, probably from the times of the emperor Hadrian. The decoration of the arch heavily uses parts of older monuments, which are given a new meaning in the context of the Constantinian building. As it celebrates the victory of Constantine, the new “historic” friezes illustrating his campaign in Italy convey the central meaning: the praise of the emperor, both in battle and in his civilian duties. The other imagery supports this purpose: decoration taken from the “golden times” of the Empire under Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius places Constantine next to these “good emperors”, and the content of the pieces evokes images of the victorious and pious ruler. Another explanation given for the re-use is the short time between the start of construction (late 312 at the earliest) and the dedication (summer 315), so the architects used existing artwork to make up for the lack of time to create new art.
  • [Provenance Notes] This arch was erected by the emperor Constantine I (306-37) to commemorate his victory over his co-emperor Maxentius (306-12) in a civil war. It marks a departure from earlier Roman tradition in significant ways. Firstly, it was the first triumphal arch to celebrate victory over fellow Romans rather than foreign foes. Secondly, it contains spolia from monuments of Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Many show Constantine’s head grafted onto the bodies of previous emperors, as on the Great Trajanic Frieze of the inner arch. The relatively few original representations on the arch are inferior by classical standards. It was, in short, a rushed job.

Category: Architecture

Work Type: Triumphal arch

Techniques: sculpture

Materials:

  • Marble