Augustus of Prima Porta

Definition

The Augustus of Prima Porta is a renowned statue of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, standing in a contrapposto pose that reflects both idealism and realism. This statue exemplifies the artistic style of early imperial Roman sculpture, showcasing Augustus as a powerful leader while also symbolizing his divine connection and military achievements through various iconographic elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Augustus of Prima Porta was discovered in 1863 in the villa of Livia at Prima Porta, near Rome, and is believed to date from around 20 BCE.
2. The statue portrays Augustus in military garb, indicating his role as a leader and general, while his raised arm suggests he is addressing troops or the public.
3. The statue includes intricate details, such as the breastplate that depicts scenes of victory and the figures of Roman deities, symbolizing Augustus's divine favor.
4. Height-wise, the statue stands at about 2.03 meters (6 feet 8 inches), making it an impressive representation meant to convey grandeur and authority.
5. Augustus's facial features are idealized, reflecting the Roman ideals of beauty and leadership, while still retaining some realistic aspects associated with verism.

Review Questions

• How does the posture and attire of Augustus in the Augustus of Prima Porta statue convey his power and authority?
  • In the Augustus of Prima Porta statue, Augustus stands in a contrapposto pose which emphasizes his dynamic presence as a leader. His military garb signifies his role as a general and protector of Rome. The raised arm suggests he is either addressing his soldiers or the public, reinforcing his status as an authoritative figure. This combination of posture and attire effectively conveys both his political power and military leadership.
• Discuss the significance of the iconographic elements found in the Augustus of Prima Porta statue and how they relate to Augustus's rule.
  • The iconographic elements in the Augustus of Prima Porta are crucial for understanding Augustus's reign. The breastplate features reliefs depicting military victories and personifications of deities, symbolizing not only his military successes but also portraying him as favored by the gods. These elements serve to legitimize his power and depict him as a divine ruler, emphasizing the blend of political authority and religious symbolism during his rule. This artistic representation aimed to solidify his status among both Romans and potential adversaries.
• Evaluate the impact of the Augustus of Prima Porta on Roman art and how it reflects broader cultural trends in early imperial Rome.
  • The Augustus of Prima Porta had a lasting influence on Roman art by setting a standard for imperial portraiture that combined idealism with elements of realism. This statue reflects broader cultural trends in early imperial Rome where art was used as a tool for propaganda to communicate power, divine favor, and stability under Augustus’s rule. As subsequent emperors adopted similar artistic styles to project their own authority, this statue became a benchmark for how rulers were portrayed in Roman society, shaping public perception and historical legacy throughout the empire.

Related terms

Contrapposto:

An artistic technique where a human figure is posed with weight shifted onto one leg, creating a sense of dynamic balance and movement.

Iconography:

The visual images, symbols, and motifs that represent particular themes or ideas in art, allowing deeper interpretation of the subject matter.

Verism: A style in Roman portraiture that emphasizes realistic depiction of subjects, often highlighting age and experience rather than idealized beauty.