Rome 2017: (11) Augustus of Prima Porta

http://mv.vatican.va/4_ES/pages/z-Patrons/MV_Patrons_04_03.html

The Augustus of Prima Porta is a cultural landscape that exposes the viewers who view this statue the story of Augustus’ life. It is so interesting how the Romans are able to depict information that could fill a book simply through carving marble. The baby grasping the pedestal reveals the story of the mythology and ancestry of Augustus. The baby is cupid and he is signifying the lineage and favor of the dogs representing that he is of the line of Athena. This is a powerful statement that this sculpture depicts. Augustus was a controversial figure. The sculpture depicts the juxtapositions that his character embodied. He was clothed in a robe, which at the time was usually this type of adornment was worn by civilizations, this was a

choice to signify Augustus’ movement of peace in order to create a façade away from his militaristic intentions. The artist depicted his true intentions by covering the robe with a breast plate to signify his warrior like leadership and success in battle. On the shield is sculpted the enemies in which Augustus fought and defeated. This cultural landscape represents the tensions felt during the Augustine period and the stratification of Augustus’ character and aspirations.