The modern Capitol is erected on the foundation of the ancient. The huge
blocks of peperino stone which underlie the present Capitol rise from
the area of the Forum, far below; and it is quite obvious that the
modern structure is superimposed. The Capitol hill is the highest ground
in old Rome; and the summit of its tower is, as already observed, higher
than any other building in Rome east of the Tiber. We ascend to the
present Capitol from the west, by a series of marble steps. On the right
and left, at the top of the stairs, are antique equestrian and colossal
statues of Castor and Pollux, mounted upon high pedestals. In the middle
of the area, in front of the Capitol, is the colossal equestrian statue
believed to be that of Marcus Aurelius. It is in bronze, and is a most
noble specimen of ancient art. The emperor is truly imperial, and the
horse is admirable; it can not be exceeded in symmetry and grandeur.
This statue, had it not been mistaken for a statue of Constantine, would
have shared the fate of other productions of pagan art. It was
originally gilded, and the gold is still visible upon it here and there.
The head and neck of the horse are copied by modern sculptors, as being
the best specimens of the form of this part of the noble animal in
existence.