The Vision of Constantine, Equestrian sculpture at Scala Regia, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
The Vision of Constantine is a marble equestrian sculpture positioned at the foot of the Scala Regia, the grand staircase connecting St. Peter's Basilica to the Vatican Palace. The work depicts the emperor in a dynamic pose with sweeping drapery filling the architectural niche and his gaze directed heavenward.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini created this sculpture in 1670, nearly a century after the basilica's completion. The scene references Constantine's victory at the Milvian Bridge in 312, which the emperor attributed to his newfound Christian faith.
The sculpture shows Constantine at the moment of his spiritual transformation, marking a turning point in European history. Visitors often pass by this piece without realizing its significance to the religious identity of the Western world.
The sculpture is located at ground level along the main passage between the basilica and the Vatican Palace, making it easily viewable during your visit. Early morning or late afternoon hours offer the best lighting for observation and photography.
Windows positioned above the niche direct natural light directly onto the sculpture, emphasizing the supernatural character of the moment depicted. Bernini deliberately engineered this lighting effect to heighten the spiritual impact of the scene.
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