Portrait of Constantine the Great

The joint rule of four, the Tetrarchy, instituted by Diocletian, turned into a struggle for power and civil war in the first two decades of the 4th century, assuming the nature of a religious conflict as well. It was Constantine I, also known as the Great, who triumphed in 324. Constantine united the divided Empire and declared himself the sole ruler. By the end of his reign, Constantine’s vision became reality: once again powerful Roman Empire, upheld by a Christian God and founded upon the Christian faith. The bronze, gilded portrait of a young, vigorous man, with the imperial diadem on his head is the image of the triumphant emperor. His features command respect – he emanates military prowess, wisdom, power and invincibility, and his gaze, much like that of the famous military leader Alexander the Great, is visionary. The portrait defines the character of the emperor of a new world monarchy, the magnificence of his godly face, and absolute power over nature, history and people.