The tale of the stolen horse sculptures attributed to the ancient Greek sculptor Lysippos is one of intrigue, artistry, and historical significance. These masterpieces have traversed through time and space, reflecting the tumultuous history of their custodians.
Originating from the island of Chios, the fifth largest Greek island, these sculptures were initially part of a grand quadriga—a four-horse chariot that was also a prominent feature in the Ancient Olympic Games. The earliest mention of these sculptures can be found in the “Parastaseis Syntomoi Chronikai,” or “Brief Historical Notes,” a text dating back to the 8th or 9th century. This historical reference underscores the significance of the horses and their association with Chios.
In 1204, the sculptures were looted during the Fourth Crusade by Venetian forces who sacked Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. To facilitate their transport from Constantinople to Venice, the sculptures were modified: their heads and necks were removed, and collars were added to conceal these alterations. These collars, still visible today, are a testament to this tumultuous journey.
Once in Venice, Doge Enrico Dandolo, the leader of Venice, ordered the horses to be installed on the terrace of the façade of St. Mark’s Basilica in 1254. This installation marked the beginning of a long Venetian chapter in the history of these ancient sculptures.
The sculptures remained in Venice until 1797 when Napoleon Bonaparte, following his conquest of Venice, seized them and transported them to Paris. There, they were incorporated into the design of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, once again paired with a quadriga, symbolizing triumph and power.
After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, Captain Dumaresq, who fought at the Battle of Waterloo, was tasked by the Emperor of Austria to return the horses to Venice. Dumaresq meticulously removed the sculptures from the Arc de Triomphe and transported them back to their rightful place at St. Mark’s Basilica. In recognition of his efforts, the Emperor awarded him a gold snuff box adorned with his initials in diamonds.
The horses remained on the façade of St. Mark’s Basilica until the early 1980s. With the rise in air pollution and the consequent risk of deterioration, it was decided to move the original sculptures indoors to preserve them. Today, the original horses are housed inside St. Mark’s Basilica, while exact replicas stand proudly outside, continuing to captivate visitors with their historical and artistic significance.
Thus, the journey of the horse sculptures of Lysippos from ancient Greece to modern Venice encapsulates centuries of history, warfare, and cultural transformation, highlighting their enduring legacy as symbols of artistic excellence and resilience.
