Artist Comments: In the early 1500’s, Michelangelo was looking for a decorative theme for the redesign of the Piazza del Campidoglio, the Capitol, in Rome. Part of this magnificent design includes the statues of Castor and his twin brother Pollux.
In Greek mythology, 496 BC, there is the figure of Castor, the mortal son of Zeus, and great soldier and horse tamer. It is said, during a great battle, the Roman Knights, rode out on gleaming white horses. Horses don’t gleam? Well these did, and some say that their eyes flashed lightening and they breathed fatal fire. These magnificent marble statues are a part of the incredible architecture and ancient history of the Capitol, and a popular tourist attraction in Rome.