Column of Marcus Aurelius

Definition

The Column of Marcus Aurelius is a monumental column in Rome that commemorates the victories of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the Marcomannic Wars. It serves as an important example of Roman sculpture, blending historical events with mythological themes while also functioning as a public monument that reflects the artistic features and urban planning of ancient Rome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Column of Marcus Aurelius stands approximately 30 meters tall and is adorned with a continuous frieze that spirals around the shaft, depicting over 250 individual figures.
2. Its reliefs illustrate not only the military campaigns but also philosophical themes, emphasizing the emperor's virtues and responsibilities as a ruler.
3. The column was originally topped with a statue of Marcus Aurelius, which was replaced in the Renaissance by a statue of Saint Paul.
4. Unlike earlier triumphal columns, which often depicted only military victories, this column incorporates scenes of both combat and peaceful moments, highlighting the duality of war and governance.
5. The artistic style seen in the Column of Marcus Aurelius reflects a transition toward a more emotional and expressive approach in Late Roman art.

Review Questions

• How does the Column of Marcus Aurelius reflect both historical events and mythological themes in its sculptural reliefs?
  • The Column of Marcus Aurelius intricately blends historical events from the Marcomannic Wars with mythological elements by showcasing both actual battles and symbolic representations of virtues like wisdom and strength. This combination enhances the narrative quality of the reliefs, providing viewers with a multifaceted understanding of the emperor's achievements while also elevating his status beyond mere military leader to a figure of philosophical significance.
• In what ways does the Column of Marcus Aurelius serve as a public monument that reflects artistic features typical of Roman urban planning?
  • The Column serves as a prominent focal point within the urban landscape of Rome, effectively utilizing its height and intricate design to draw attention. Its placement in a public space underscores its role as a monument that conveys political messages about power and virtue. Additionally, the elaborate relief work showcases Roman artistic techniques such as depth and narrative storytelling, characteristics that are indicative of the city's architectural ambitions and cultural values during this period.
• Evaluate how the stylistic changes in Late Roman art are represented in the Column of Marcus Aurelius, particularly in contrast to earlier imperial monuments.
  • The Column of Marcus Aurelius exemplifies stylistic changes in Late Roman art by embracing more emotional expressiveness and complexity compared to earlier imperial monuments like Trajan's Column. This shift is evident in the dynamic poses and interactions among figures in the reliefs, conveying a sense of movement and narrative depth. Additionally, the emphasis on individual facial expressions reveals a greater focus on character and realism, reflecting broader cultural shifts within Roman society toward personal identity and human experience.

Related terms

Relief Sculpture: A sculptural technique where figures are carved into a flat background, commonly used in Roman art to depict narratives or events.

Triumphal Column: A freestanding column erected to celebrate military victories, typically adorned with sculptural reliefs illustrating the achievements of the ruler.

Imperial Cult: The practice of honoring emperors as divine figures, which played a significant role in Roman religion and politics.