The Horses of St. Marks by Charles Freeman
Much of the facade of St Mark's Basilica has changed since Venice's medieval heyday, but the four horses on the loggia above the main entrance still dominate the square as they did in the 15th century. They are the only team of four horses to survive from antiquity. Their origin is uncertain - they were probably cast in the 2nd century AD in Greece or Rome - their journey through history has been remarkable. Wherever they have been displayed the horses have been central as both symbols of beauty and power. The first written reference we have to them is in 4th Century Constantinople where they represented the Emperor's divine connection. They were then plundered by the Doge of Venice when he torched the city during the fourth crusade. When Napoleon invaded in 1797 the horses were at the top of his shopping list and on their removal to Paris they were at the front of his imperial triumph. The magnificent beasts have been witnesses, therefore, to some of the most tumultuous events in European history. Reading this highly original book is to see these events through the eyes of one of the great international works of art.
For THE CLOSING OF THE WESTERN MIND: 'Memorable' TLS 'His notes alone are an incitement to further study' Frederic Raphael, SUNDAY TIMES
Charles Freeman is the author of THE CLOSING OF THE WESTERN MIND and EGYPT, GREECE AND ROME and organises guided tours in Venice.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780316861182 |
| ISBN 10 | 0316861189 |
| Title | The Horses of St. Marks |
| Author | Charles Freeman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Little, Brown & Company |
| Year published | 2004-05-06 |
| Number of pages | 320 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |