The horses of Constantinople in Venice, “war spoil” of the Fourth Crusade

The horses of Constantinople in Venice, “war spoil” of the Fourth Crusade
The group of four horses is the only example of a quadriga of ancient statuaries all round, which is permeated. It was made by melting lost wax.

The most likely dating of the horses is from the Roman imperial age, placed between the second half of the 2nd and the beginning of the 3rd century AD. It is assumed that the horses were exhibited in the building of the Constantinople racetrack, sent as war spoils on the occasion of the Fourth Crusade (1204) by Doge Henry Giving it to Venice.

The quadriga, which is an imperial symbol per excellence, placed in the facade of the basilica, assumed a significant political valence in emphasizing the role of undisputed guide of the Doge, identified with Saint Mark and his Ducal Chapel. – Golden Melt Bronze – h cm 238 – Basilica of St. Mark: Treasure and Sanctuary of St. Mark, Venice