|
The
elephant was actually
carved in 1667 by Ercole
Ferrata.
|
Click
For the Full Size Image |
|
The
inscription on the base
makes of it the symbol of
a robust intellect capable
of supporting great wisdom,
the role assigned to the
towering obelisk above.
|
Click
For the Full Size Image |
|
Moving
on to
Piazza Colonna ...
|
Click
For the Full Size Image |
|
The
shaft is enveloped by a
bas-relief scroll that unrolls
around the shaft of the
column in honor of Marcus
Aurelieus' victories over the
Marcomanni, Quadi and the
Sarmatians.
|
Click
For the Full Size Image |
The
shaft is almost 30 meters
high, and the statue of Marcus
Aurelius that originally topped
the column was replaced in 1599
by one of Saint Paul
by Domenico Fontana.
The
inside of the column is
hollow, and has a 190 step
spiral staircase to the top.
|
Click
For the Full Size Image |
