Marc Anton Gruppe, Vienna, Bronze monument near Secession building, Vienna, Austria
The Marc Anton Gruppe is a bronze sculpture in Vienna's inner city district that depicts Mark Antony commanding a chariot drawn by lions, created by sculptor Arthur Strasser. The figure sits upright in his chariot in a commanding pose, presented as a lifelike scene of Roman history cast entirely in bronze.
The monument was commissioned for the 1900 Paris World Exhibition after Strasser's smaller model won the Reichel Prize in 1896. This commission recognized Strasser's talents and gave him the opportunity to enlarge his original concept into a monumental public work.
The sculpture shows Mark Antony in Roman dress commanding his chariot, reflecting how Vienna's artistic circles interpreted ancient history at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can observe this particular vision of classical antiquity frozen in bronze, offering insight into the artistic tastes of that era.
The monument sits on Friedrichstrasse next to the Secession building and rests on an elevated pedestal that was restored in 2005. You can easily spot it from the building's entrance and walk around it from different angles to view the details and the lions up close.
Locals affectionately call it the 'Lion Coachman' because Mark Antony's chariot is pulled by lions instead of horses, an unusual artistic choice that stands out in Vienna's public art. This playful nickname shows how the sculpture has become part of the city's everyday conversation and folklore.
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