Object Annotation 3: Ancient Rome

Context

• The Prima Porta Augustus was a public sculpture placed in every town in the Roman Empire. This functioned as propaganda for Augustus, establishing him as the ruler of a new empire.
• Augustus' age and lack of royal lineage made him insecure in his position of power, so this statue was used to create an almost divine image of him so that the people would revere and want him as their ruler.

Subject

• Augsutsus is depicted wearing the Quires, military armor, and Lacerna, a senatorial garment which, together, are a display of Classical Republicanism.
• One value of Classical Republicanism was Active Citizenship, which meant participating in military or political service. By excelling in both, Augustus is seen as a model citizen.

• Order and Propriety: every detail on the statue serves to portray Augustus in a positive light, appropriately for the time when he was transitioning into power and establishing his empire.

Subject (Quires)

• Sol, God of the sun, is depicted alongside Aurora, Godess of the dawn, in a chariot bringing up the sun.
• Return of the Roman Standard: Augustus reattains the eagle stolen from the Romans by the Parthians. He is depicted practicing diplomacy, showing that while he is a strong military leader, he values the common interests of Roman citizens in another display of classical republicanism, as well as rationalism.
• Tulles is depicted towards the bottom of the Quires, holding a cornucopia and breastfeeding two babies, signifying the abundance that Augustus' rule is meant to bring about. This is also a display of syncretism with Greece, as Tulles is originally a Greek Godess. While Rome did take over Greece, Augustus is trying to show that they have become one empire, rather than completely replacing the previous republic. Artemis and Apollo are also depicted on either side of this image, creating relative symmetry.

Subject (Cupid)

Cupid is depicted at the bottom of this statue riding a dolphin. Cupid is a child of Venus, and the Dolphin also represents Venus.Augustus establishes the connection to Venus because the previous emperor, Caesar, claimed to be descended from her. This establishes Augustus' claim to rule, as he is not related to Caesar by blood.

Style

• Naturalistic Idealism: This depiction of Augustus is largely naturalistic, as it depicts detailed muscular and proper canon of proportions. However, Augustus is depicted as much younger, stronger, and more symmetrical than his actual appearance. Because he would likely die of old age soon, He ensured that he would be remembered in his physical prime, starting his own legacy and that of his empire.
• Contrapasto: The stance of the figure is similar to many Greek statues made during the rise of Humanism, but with even more detail in the stance and body, such as the gesture of his right hand. This Humanist depiction of the "perfect" form further idealizes Augustus' appearance.