Temple of Castor and Pollux (c. 1830 Italy)

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A GRAND TOUR MODEL OF THE TEMPLE OF CASTOR & POLLUX
Antico Rosso and Belgian Black Marble
Italy
Circa 1830.



An outstanding example of a Grand Tour model of the Temple of Castor and Pollux from the Roman Forum, the ruins of antico rosso marble on a Belgian black marble plinth base.

The Temple of Castor and Pollux (Tempio dei Dioscuri ) was built following victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus in 495 BC. Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri, were the twin sons of Zeus and Leda. Their cult came to Rome from Greece via Magna Graecia and Greek culture in Southern Italy. Aulus Postumius Albinus, the Roman dictator of the Roman Republic, vowed to build a temple to the Dioscuri were Rome to be victorious over Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last King of Rome, and the Latins. In legend Castor and Pollux appeared on the battlefield as two horsemen in aid of the Romans. After the battle had been won they appeared again on the Forum in Rome watering their horses at the Spring of Juturna, announcing the victory. The temple stands on the spot of their appearance according to legend and was finished by Postumius’s son in 484 BC.

Excellent condition.



Measurements: 24” (61cm) High 11” (28cm) Wide 4 1/8” (10.5cm) Deep