Lysippos of Sikyon (Horses, Alexander)

Four bronze horses that once stood at the hippodrome of Constantinople (Istanbul).
In 1204 AD, they were taken to Venice by the crusaders and for centuries ornamented the facade of Saint Mark church. Today are kept at the Venice Museum. Italian tradition considers them as genuine work of Lysippos.

The horses have a long history. Made by Lysippos or his school, in the 4th century BC, they brought to Rome by Nero, from there they were taken by Constantine the Great to Constantinople. The crusaders took them to Venice. Napoleon brought them to Paris. Finally they were brought back to Venice after his fall. Now they are kept indoors to avoid acidic air.

Alexander on horseback, bronze copy of original work by Lysippos. (Florence Museum)

Alexander's Head Alexander
Marble copy of the original by Lysippos, 1st century BC. One of the most precise copies.
(Ny Carlsberg, Copenhagen).

Alexander's Metra Alexander at age 22.
Clay matrix.
(Policoro Museum Nazionale)