Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Jennifer Chait 212-788-8479
"I would like to welcome Mayor Rutelli to New York City, the Sister City of Rome and thank him for this wonderful gift - the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius," Mayor Giuliani said. "Marcus Aurelius is one of two great Roman symbols, representing the universality and history of Rome. The statue stands as a tribute to this second century "philosopher king" who ruled with a humanitarism philosophy and enlightened intellect."
The Mayor continued, "New York City and Rome have always been linked in many ways. Italian immigrants came here by the millions and worked hard to help make New York City the Capital of the World. This statue is a wonderful tribute to that connection. And I promise that Commissioner Stern and I will find the emperor a good home in Central Park."
Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern said, "Marcus Aurelius will make a splendid addition to New York City's collection of monuments. Noble and historic, he will join other monuments of prominent Italians such as Christopher Columbus, Dante and Verdi. The statue belongs in our pantheon and we are honored to receive it."
The Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue is the most ancient form of tribute and evokes the royalty, courage and power of the personality portrayed. The double life-size bronze statue features the emperor seated on a stallion, wearing a short-sleeved tunic gathered at the waist and covered by a pleated tunic. The absence of a military breastplate on the emperor points to his status "restorer of universal peace." Estimates date the original statue to somewhere between 162 and 180 AD. The original sculptor is unknown.
The replica will take approximately one year to complete and will reside in Central Park at a location to be determined.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) ruled as emperor until his death in 180 AD. He was a diligent student and a great follower of the school of Stoicism. As emperor, he was noted for his humanitarian philosophy and his sensitivity to the Empire's poor. Marcus Aurelius was awarded many honors by his successors, including divination, the construction of a temple, and the erection of the Marcus Aurelius statue, a replica of which the Mayor will receive.
Since 1992, New York City and the City of Rome have implemented a wide spectrum of programs in areas of culture, public education, social activities, and municipal administration.