Augustus revolutionized Rome's visual landscape, using art and architecture to assert his power. He transformed the city with grand monuments, standardized imperial portraiture, and created a symbolic language of authority that would influence emperors for centuries.
From coins to colossal statues, Augustan imagery blended traditional Roman symbols with innovative designs. This visual program reinforced key themes of peace, prosperity, and divine favor, effectively communicating Augustus's ideology to diverse audiences across the empire.
Symbols of imperial power
Visual language of power in Augustan Rome conveyed authority through symbolic objects and regalia
Symbols of imperial power reinforced Augustus's position as the first Roman emperor and legitimized his rule
These symbols became standardized elements in imperial iconography, influencing art and architecture throughout the empire
Fasces and other regalia
Top images from around the web for Fasces and other regalia File:Augustus Statue.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Statue-Augustus.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Statue-Augustus white background.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Augustus Statue.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Statue-Augustus.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Fasces and other regalia File:Augustus Statue.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Statue-Augustus.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Statue-Augustus white background.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Augustus Statue.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Statue-Augustus.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Fasces symbolized magisterial authority consisting of bundled rods with an axe
Lictors carried fasces before high-ranking officials signifying their power to punish and execute
Other regalia included the sella curulis (curule chair) reserved for senior magistrates
Augustus incorporated these traditional Republican symbols into imperial imagery to maintain continuity
Laurel wreaths and victory
Laurel wreaths associated with Apollo represented triumph and divine favor
Augustus frequently depicted wearing laurel wreath to emphasize his military victories
Corona civica (oak leaf crown) awarded to Augustus for saving citizens' lives symbolized his role as protector
Victory imagery often included winged goddess Victoria holding laurel wreath or palm branch
Imperial purple and gold
Tyrian purple dye extremely rare and expensive became synonymous with imperial power
Augustus restricted use of purple clothing to emphasize his unique status
Gold also signified imperial authority seen in jewelry, furnishings, and architectural details
Combination of purple and gold in imperial portraiture visually set the emperor apart from ordinary citizens
Architectural expressions of authority
Architecture played a crucial role in expressing Augustan power and authority throughout Rome
Augustan building program transformed the city's landscape, emphasizing the emperor's role as benefactor
Architectural innovations combined practicality with symbolic messages of imperial might and divine favor
Monumental scale and grandeur
Augustus famously claimed to have found Rome in brick and left it in marble
Massive building projects like the Forum of Augustus demonstrated imperial resources and power
Colossal statues (Augustus of Prima Porta) emphasized the emperor's larger-than-life status
Use of expensive materials (imported marbles) showcased the empire's wealth and reach
Roman arches and columns
Triumphal arches commemorated military victories and imperial achievements
Arch of Augustus in Roman Forum celebrated his triple triumph
Columns (Trajan's Column ) served as narrative devices depicting imperial conquests
Innovative use of concrete allowed for grander, more durable structures symbolizing Rome's permanence
Temple design and placement
Augustus restored 82 temples in Rome emphasizing his role as religious reformer
Temple of Mars Ultor in Forum of Augustus linked emperor to divine ancestry
Strategic placement of temples near imperial residences reinforced connection between emperor and gods
Pantheon (later rebuilt by Hadrian) exemplified fusion of traditional religious architecture with imperial cult
Sculptural representations
Sculpture served as a powerful medium for disseminating the emperor's image throughout the empire
Augustan portraiture established conventions for imperial representation that lasted centuries
Sculptural programs in public spaces reinforced messages of imperial power and divine favor
Imperial portraiture styles
Augustan portraits evolved from realistic Republican style to more idealized youthful image
Prima Porta type became standard portrayal emphasizing Augustus's eternal youth and vigor
Veristic elements (slight frown, prominent ears) maintained connection to Republican traditions
Standardized portrait types ensured consistent representation across the empire
Idealized vs realistic depictions
Early portraits of Octavian showed realistic features reflecting Republican values
Later Augustan portraits idealized the emperor's appearance to convey timeless authority
Blend of idealism and realism created recognizable yet elevated image of Augustus
Shift towards idealization influenced portraiture of subsequent emperors and elites
Divine associations in statuary
Augustus often depicted with attributes of gods (Jupiter's thunderbolt , Neptune's trident )
Statues showing Augustus performing religious rituals emphasized his role as pontifex maximus
Nude or semi-nude heroic statues linked Augustus to mythological figures and deified ancestors
Colossal statues in temples blurred line between emperor worship and traditional religion
Numismatic imagery
Coins served as portable propaganda tools disseminating imperial imagery throughout the empire
Augustan coinage established conventions for imperial numismatic portraiture
Control over minting allowed Augustus to carefully craft his public image and political messages
Coin portraits of Augustus
Early coins showed realistic features of young Octavian evolving to idealized Augustan type
Profile view became standard for imperial portraits on coins
Laurel wreath commonly depicted emphasizing Augustus's role as triumphator
Inscriptions proclaimed titles and offices reinforcing Augustus's authority
Symbolic reverse designs
Reverse of coins featured range of symbolic imagery supporting Augustan ideology
Capricorn Augustus's birth sign appeared frequently linking emperor to cosmic order
Altar of Pax Augusta celebrated emperor's role in bringing peace to the empire
Naval imagery (ships, anchors) commemorated victory at Battle of Actium
Propaganda through currency
Coins reached all levels of society serving as daily reminders of imperial power
Minting privileges restricted to reinforce central control over imagery
Special issues commemorated important events (secular games, military victories)
Dynastic imagery on coins promoted Julio-Claudian succession plans
Visual narratives of power
Narrative art forms allowed for complex storytelling reinforcing Augustan ideology
Visual narratives celebrated Roman achievements and virtues under Augustus's rule
Combination of historical events and mythological themes created powerful propaganda
Relief sculptures and friezes
Ara Pacis Augustae frieze depicted procession of imperial family and Roman elite
Mythological scenes on Ara Pacis linked Augustan rule to Rome's legendary past
Forum of Augustus reliefs showcased exempla virtutis (examples of virtue) from Roman history
Narrative reliefs on public monuments educated viewers about Augustan achievements
Triumphal processions in art
Depictions of triumphs emphasized military success and divine favor
Augustus's triple triumph of 29 BCE frequently represented in various art forms
Processional imagery included captured enemies, exotic spoils, and sacrificial animals
Triumphal art linked Augustus to great Republican generals of the past
Battle scenes and conquests
Naval battle scenes commemorated victory at Actium over Antony and Cleopatra
Depictions of conquered provinces personified as submissive female figures
Trophies and weapons of defeated enemies symbolized Roman military superiority
Geographic personifications celebrated expansion of empire under Augustus
Augustan iconography
Augustan period developed rich symbolic language drawing on traditional and innovative imagery
Iconography reinforced key themes of Augustan ideology (peace, prosperity, religious revival)
Consistent use of symbols across various media created cohesive visual program
Apollo and divine patronage
Augustus claimed special relationship with Apollo as his divine patron
Temple of Apollo on Palatine Hill near Augustus's residence emphasized this connection
Laurel tree associated with Apollo planted at Augustus's house symbolizing divine favor
Solar imagery linked Augustus to Apollo's role as bringer of light and civilization
Imagery of closed doors of Temple of Janus signified peace throughout empire
Personification of Pax (peace) depicted with olive branch and cornucopia
Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace) embodied concept of Pax Romana
Pastoral scenes and abundance imagery celebrated peace and prosperity under Augustus
Dynastic imagery and succession
Adoption of Gaius and Lucius Caesar prominently featured in imperial art
Clipeus virtutis (shield of virtue) awarded to Augustus emphasized hereditary virtues
Imagery of Roman she-wolf with Romulus and Remus linked Julio-Claudian line to Rome's founders
Portraits of potential heirs (Marcellus, Agrippa) included in public monuments and coinage
Public vs private imagery
Augustan visual program encompassed both grand public displays and intimate domestic settings
Contrast between public and private imagery revealed nuances of imperial self-representation
Domestic art provided insights into how elites engaged with and promoted imperial ideology
Monumental public works (Forum of Augustus, Ara Pacis) showcased official imperial imagery
State-controlled production and placement of emperor's portraits in public spaces
Imperial building program transformed Rome's urban landscape with consistent visual language
Public monuments served as focal points for civic rituals reinforcing imperial authority
Domestic displays of loyalty
Private homes of elites decorated with busts and paintings of imperial family
Lararia (household shrines) often included statuettes of emperor alongside family gods
Luxury items (cameos, silverware) featuring imperial portraits displayed in wealthy homes
Frescoes in Pompeian houses depicted scenes from Augustan mythology and history
Cult of the emperor in art
Augustus refused divine honors in Rome but allowed cult practices in provinces
Temple of Divus Julius (deified Julius Caesar) set precedent for imperial cult
Altars and shrines to Augustus's genius (divine spirit) appeared throughout empire
Posthumous deification of Augustus influenced artistic representations of later emperors
Augustan style and aesthetics
Augustan period marked by distinct artistic style blending traditional elements with innovations
Visual arts reflected Augustus's cultural program emphasizing Roman values and heritage
Augustan aesthetics influenced artistic production throughout empire for generations
Classical influences and revival
Conscious revival of Greek classical styles in sculpture and architecture
Emphasis on harmony, proportion, and idealized beauty in artistic representations
Appropriation of Greek mythological themes to enhance prestige of Roman achievements
Collection and display of Greek artworks in Rome influenced tastes of Roman patrons
Roman innovations in art
Development of new sculptural techniques (drill work for deeper shadows)
Expanded use of colored marbles and other luxurious materials in architecture and decoration
Invention of new architectural forms (concrete domes, barrel vaults) enabled grander structures
Integration of naturalistic elements (plants, animals) into decorative schemes
Standardization of imperial imagery
Creation of official portrait types for emperor and imperial family
Establishment of iconographic conventions for representing imperial virtues and achievements
Centralized workshops produced models ensuring consistency across empire
Standardized imagery on coins, weights, and measures reinforced imperial authority
Visual rhetoric and persuasion
Augustan art and architecture functioned as sophisticated form of political communication
Visual program carefully crafted to convey complex ideological messages to diverse audiences
Effectiveness of Augustan imagery influenced visual strategies of subsequent emperors
Art as political communication
Visual arts conveyed political messages more accessible than written propaganda
Combination of familiar symbols and innovative imagery reinforced Augustan ideology
Strategic placement of art and monuments maximized visibility and impact
Integration of text and image (inscriptions, coin legends) enhanced communicative power
Audience and public reception
Different levels of visual literacy among Roman population influenced artistic choices
Monumental public works impressed general populace with scale and grandeur
More complex iconographic programs appealed to educated elites fostering sense of shared culture
Provincial audiences interpreted imperial imagery through lens of local traditions
Legacy and influence on successors
Augustan visual language established template for imperial representation in subsequent centuries
Later emperors adopted and adapted Augustan imagery to legitimize their own rule
Enduring influence of Augustan style seen in provincial art throughout empire
Renaissance and Neoclassical revivals drew inspiration from Augustan visual rhetoric