From 6th February, visitors to Rome’s Capitoline Museums have the opportunity to marvel at a life-size replica of the Colossus of Constantine.
The reconstruction of the Colossus of Constantine, towering at 13 meters tall, is based on the few remaining fragments of the original statue dating back to the fourth century AD.
Th statue sits in the scenic gardens of Villa Caffarelli on the Capitoline hill. This impressive feat of restoration is the result of collaboration between the Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in Preservation, Fondazione Prada, and the Rome cultural and archaeological superintendent’s office under Claudio Parisi Presicce’s leadership.
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The Colossus of Constantine, originally discovered near the Colosseum in the 15th century, stands as a remarkable example of late ancient Roman sculpture. Despite the passage of time, only a handful of monumental marble fragments remain, including the head, limbs, and feet, housed in the courtyard of Palazzo dei Conservatori at the Capitoline Museums.
In March 2022, experts from the Factum Foundation meticulously scanned these fragments using cutting-edge photogrammetry techniques. Using 3D modelling, the fragments were digitally reconstructed and integrated into the body of the statue. The team drew inspiration from similar cult statues from the imperial era.
The material reconstruction of the Colossus is a blend of resin, polyurethane, marble powder, gold leaf, and plaster to replicate the original marble and bronze surfaces. An internal aluminium support structure ensures stability while allowing for easy assembly and removal.
OAK © Oak Taylor-Smith Factum Foundation – Factum Foundation
This remarkable restoration will be on display for visitors to admire until December 31, 2025, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome’s artistic legacy.
