Constantine the Great 

Gian Lorenzo Bernini created this marble sculpture of Constantine the Great at an unknown date. Bernini employed traditional carving techniques, using chisels and rasps to coax the stone into form. The marble’s smooth, cool surface contrasts with the dynamic composition. Note how the rippling drapery and the horse's energetic pose give a sense of movement. Bernini’s exceptional skill is evident in the lifelike details: the horse's muscular form, and Constantine's expressive face. This statue showcases the cultural significance of marble as a symbol of power and permanence. The labor involved in quarrying, transporting, and carving marble was considerable, reflecting the patronage of wealthy and influential figures, in this case, the papacy. Bernini's virtuosity transformed a raw material into a powerful statement of religious authority. By emphasizing the material, the making process, and the social context, we can better appreciate the full meaning of Bernini's sculpture.