Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Arch of Constantine

In 1540 Antonio Lafreri, a native of Besançon transplanted to Rome, began publishing maps and other printed images that depicted major monuments and antiquities in Rome. These images were produced to appeal to the taste for classical antiquity that fueled the Renaissance. After Lafreri published a title page in the mid-1570s, collections of these prints came to be known as the Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae, the "Mirror of Roman Magnificence." Tourists and other collectors who bought prints from Lafreri made their own selections and had them individually bound. Over time, Lafreri's title page served as starting point for large and eclectic compilations, expanded and rearranged by generations of collectors.

The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Arch of Constantine is an important monument that reflects the political and military achievements of Constantine the Great, who played a significant role in the Roman Empire's transition to Christianity. Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge is said to have been a turning point that influenced his support for Christianity and eventually led to the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. The arch stands near the Colosseum and was dedicated in 315 CE. It is the largest surviving triumphal arch in Rome. The structure consists of three archways and is adorned with reliefs and sculptures, some of which were repurposed from earlier monuments and buildings. The reliefs on the Arch of Constantine depict scenes from various imperial campaigns and events, including battles, hunting scenes, and religious ceremonies. Some of the reliefs were taken from earlier monuments, such as the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Arch of Trajan, and were incorporated into the design of the Arch of Constantine. The Arch of Constantine itself has undergone some restoration and conservation work over the years to ensure its preservation. These efforts have focused on stabilizing the structure, cleaning the stonework, and addressing any deterioration or damage caused by weathering and pollution.