Sunday, December 12, 2021

The Quadriga of Unity

The Quadriga of Unity by Carlo Fontana, Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Piazza Venezia, Rome

The Quadriga of Unity by Carlo Fontana, 1927
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
Piazza Venezia
Rome, June 2019

“All of Rome at your feet: this is the Terrace of the Quadrigae. At the end of an exciting ride, the panoramic lifts take you to the top of the Vittoriano, with a 360° view of the Eternal City. The terrace takes its name from the two 11-metre-high bronze quadrigae located on the top of the two propylaea. The Quadriga of Unity, to the east, was made of bronze by the sculptor from Carrara, Carlo Fontana (1909-1927). Unity is represented as a classical Victory with outstretched wings and a laurel wreath, standing on a chariot pulled by four horses that stride forward in a dignified manner. The western end is dominated by the Quadriga of Liberty made of bronze by the Roman sculptor, Paolo Bartolini (1909-1927). Liberty is also represented as a Victory with outstretched wings, her head surrounded by a band, known as a taenia, with a laurel wreath in one hand and a spear in the other; she is standing on a chariot pulled by four majestic horses.” (Terrace of the Quadrigae, Vittoriano)

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