Ornamenti del passato edifitio

Antonio Labacco, Libro d'Antonio Labacco appartenente a l'architettvra nel qval si figvrano alcvne notabili antiqvita di Roma (Rome, 1552), p. 8

This figured capital, carved from Luna marble in a Corinthian-like style, features elegant representations of winged horses (pegasoi). Although Labacco thought it belonged to the Temple of Trajan, it was found in the Augustan Temple of Mars Ultor. In classical myth, Pegasus was said to have created a spring on Mount Helicon, the home of the Muses, companions of Apollo. In their original context, the column capital’s pegasoi could be seen as an allusion to this god, whose special protection had been claimed by Octavian (later known as Augustus) during the Civil War. In Augustan art and literature, Apollo became a symbol of peace and prosperity—a message that was central to the decorative program of the Forum of Augustus, inaugurated after his victory over Mark Anthony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C.E.