We are proud to announce the launch of the restoration project dedicated to Bernini’s Equestrian Monument of Constantine, a masterpiece of Baroque art and a key symbol within the Vatican’s historic Scala Regia.

Created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1654 and 1670, The Vision of Constantine captures the dramatic moment when the Roman emperor Constantine the Great beholds a miraculous cross in the sky bearing the words “In hoc signo vinces” (“In this sign you will conquer”), an event that shaped the course of Christian history.

Carved from a single block of marble and set against expressive stucco drapery, the monumental equestrian statue exemplifies the fusion of sculpture, architecture and theatricality that defines Bernini’s genius. Located at the base of the Scala Regia, the monument was designed to greet visitors with a powerful visual narrative reflecting faith, power and artistic brilliance.

The ongoing conservation will address the effects of time on the marble and polychrome surfaces, reinforcing structural cohesion and revealing the artwork’s original expressive force. Supported by generous Patrons, this project not only preserves a cornerstone of Vatican art but also invites a deeper appreciation of Bernini’s enduring legacy.

Stay tuned for updates as this remarkable restoration progresses.

The International Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums wish to thank Kayo Nishimoto, Charles & Lynn Zhang and Olessia Kantor for supporting the Restoration of Bernini's Equestrian Monument of Constantine, in cooperation with the Ohio Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts.