A section of the Parthenon Frieze, created around the 5th century B.C.
In the Ancient Roman world, the horse was not some beast to plow fields and labor for the peasants, but was a prized companion for war and sport. “Therefore both Greek and Roman artists strove to portray the horse as an animal of great spirit who shared his rider's/driver's desire for victory, frequently depicting the horse as being an active participant who is glorying as much as his rider/driver in winning the race, or the battle.” Statues, reliefs, and paintings of horses usually displayed the creatures with arched necks and sure feet. These majestic portrayals of the beasts created a feeling of pride, power, and victory, symbolizing the Roman Empire.
The equestrian statue was an implanted aspect in Roman sculpture, and was a noble way to honor emperors, heroic war generals, or other famed contributors to society. On the back of a muscular, high-stepping horse, the human figure has a much more regal, powerful, and striking pose to awe the crowds.
Here to the left is the statue of Marcus Aurelius, composed of bronze and had most likely been first erected in 176 A.D. One of the last Roman equestrian statues left, it now graces the courtyard of the Campidoglio in Rome. Over time many Roman statues were melted down to create new bronze or other material objects, leaving Marcus and his steed to endure on alone.
"Youth on Horseback" marble statue, made approximately 1 - 50 A.D.