Augustus of Prima Porta

Definition

The Augustus of Prima Porta is a marble statue of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, created around 20 BCE. This statue serves as an idealized representation of Augustus, showcasing him in a heroic stance reminiscent of Greek art, which conveys his authority and divine right to rule. The statue reflects the themes of peace and prosperity associated with the Pax Romana, honors his military successes through visual symbolism, and reveals the Hellenistic influences that shaped Roman artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The statue is notable for its size, standing at approximately 2.03 meters (6 feet 8 inches) tall, and is depicted as a young, athletic figure in military garb.
2. Augustus is shown addressing his troops, symbolizing his role as a commander and leader, and his right arm is raised in a gesture of oratory, further emphasizing his authority.
3. The statue features intricate details such as a breastplate adorned with reliefs that depict significant military victories and allegorical figures, representing the peace he brought to the empire.
4. The Augustus of Prima Porta was discovered in 1863 at the villa of Livia, Augustus's wife, near Rome, which suggests its connection to imperial propaganda.
5. The influence of Hellenistic art is evident in the statue's idealized proportions and dynamic pose, merging Roman ideals with Greek artistic techniques.

Review Questions

• How does the Augustus of Prima Porta reflect the ideals of the Pax Romana?
  • The Augustus of Prima Porta embodies the ideals of the Pax Romana through its portrayal of Augustus as a strong and benevolent leader. The statue emphasizes themes of peace and stability, which were central to Augustus's reign after years of civil strife. By presenting him in an authoritative pose with military regalia, the sculpture not only honors his accomplishments but also promotes the idea that his leadership was essential for maintaining peace across the empire.
• Discuss the significance of honorific statues like the Augustus of Prima Porta in terms of Roman political propaganda.
  • Honorific statues such as the Augustus of Prima Porta served as vital tools for political propaganda in ancient Rome. They were designed to communicate power, legitimacy, and divine favor while shaping public perception. By showcasing Augustus as a heroic figure in a pose reminiscent of both military leaders and gods, these statues reinforced his authority and connection to Roman ideals. They also helped to propagate a narrative that aligned Augustus’s rule with prosperity and stability for the empire.
• Evaluate how Hellenistic influences are evident in the artistic representation found in the Augustus of Prima Porta and their implications for Roman identity.
  • Hellenistic influences in the Augustus of Prima Porta can be evaluated through its idealized form and dynamic pose, which reflect Greek artistic traditions that emphasized beauty and heroism. This blending not only showcases how Rome admired Hellenistic art but also illustrates how it sought to craft its own identity by adopting these styles while infusing them with Roman values. The result is a statue that not only celebrates Augustus but also positions him within a larger narrative that aligns Roman leadership with timeless ideals drawn from Greek culture.

Related terms

Pax Romana: A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted for about 200 years, beginning with Augustus's reign.

Verism: An artistic style characterized by hyper-realistic portrayals of subjects, often used in Roman portraiture to emphasize realism and age.

Altar of Peace (Ara Pacis): A monumental altar in Rome dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, celebrating Augustus's achievements and the era of peace he established.