Augustus of Prima Porta

Definition

The Augustus of Prima Porta is a renowned marble statue of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, which embodies the ideals of Roman imperial propaganda through its artistic style and symbolic elements. This statue reflects the blend of Greek and Roman artistic traditions, showcasing Augustus as a heroic leader while emphasizing his divine ancestry and military success.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Augustus of Prima Porta was discovered in 1863 at the Villa of Livia near Rome and is believed to date back to around 20 BCE.
2. The statue stands approximately 6 feet 8 inches tall and features Augustus in military attire, complete with a breastplate that illustrates various allegorical figures and scenes.
3. One significant aspect of the statue is Augustus's raised arm, which symbolizes his role as a leader addressing his troops or the public.
4. The statue incorporates visual references to Greek art, particularly in its idealized form and use of contrapposto, signaling Augustus's intention to connect himself with classical ideals.
5. The presence of Cupid riding a dolphin at Augustus's feet reinforces his claimed descent from the goddess Venus, further linking him to divine authority.

Review Questions

• How does the Augustus of Prima Porta exemplify Roman imperial propaganda through its artistic elements?
  • The Augustus of Prima Porta serves as a prime example of Roman imperial propaganda by strategically using artistic elements that convey authority and divine legitimacy. The idealized form of Augustus reflects classical aesthetics while his military garb emphasizes his role as a victorious leader. The intricate details on his breastplate symbolize peace and military triumph, reinforcing the message that Augustus is both a protector and a unifier for the Roman state.
• In what ways does the Augustus of Prima Porta illustrate the influence of classical sculpture techniques on Roman art?
  • The Augustus of Prima Porta illustrates classical sculpture techniques through its use of contrapposto, which creates a more dynamic and naturalistic pose. The statue's attention to realistic human anatomy and idealized proportions reflects the influence of earlier Greek sculptures. Additionally, the blending of these styles demonstrates how Romans adopted and adapted classical techniques to convey their own cultural values and political messages.
• Evaluate the significance of symbolic elements in the Augustus of Prima Porta regarding Augustus's political agenda and image.
  • The symbolic elements in the Augustus of Prima Porta are crucial to understanding Augustus's political agenda and how he wished to be perceived by the Roman populace. The inclusion of Cupid at his feet emphasizes his claimed lineage from Venus, which served to legitimize his authority through divine ancestry. Moreover, the details on his breastplate not only highlight military victories but also signify peace under his rule. Together, these symbols project an image of Augustus as a powerful yet benevolent leader who restores order and prosperity to Rome.

Related terms

Roman Imperial Propaganda: Art and architecture that were used to promote and legitimize the authority and achievements of Roman emperors.

Classical Sculpture: A style of sculpture that emphasizes naturalism, idealized forms, and harmonious proportions, characteristic of ancient Greek and Roman art.

Contrapposto: A pose in sculpture where the weight is distributed unevenly on the legs, creating a sense of dynamic movement and a more naturalistic representation of the human body.