Latin Texts & Translations

In former times the statues that were thus dedicated were clad in the toga. ^[Note] Naked statues also, brandishing a spear, after the manner of the youths at their gymnastic exercises, were much admired; these were called "Achillean." The Greek practice is, not to cover any part of the body; while, on the contrary, the Roman and the military statues have the addition of a cuirass. Cæsar, the Dictator, permitted a statue with a cuirass to be erected in honour of him in his Forum. ^[Note] As to the statues which are made in the garb of the Luperci, ^[Note] they are of no older date than those which have been lately erected, covered with a cloak. ^[Note] Mancinus gave directions, that he should be represented in the dress which he wore when he was surrendered to the enemy. ^[Note] It has been remarked by

some authors, that L. Attius, ^[Note] the poet, had a statue of himself erected in the Temple of the Muses, ^[Note] which was extremely large, although he himself was very short.

Equestrian statues are also held in esteem in Rome; but they are of Greek origin, no doubt. Among the Greeks, those persons only were honoured with equestrian statues who were victors on horseback ^[Note] in the sacred games; though afterwards the same distinction was bestowed on those who were successful in the races with chariots with two or four horses: hence the use of chariots with us in the statues of those who have triumphed. But this did not take place until a late period; and it was not until the time of the late Emperor Augustus, that we had chariots represented with six horses, ^[Note] as also with elephants.