Augustus Of Primaporta Analysis

Augustus of Primaporta offers a powerful and democratic image, in a way of expressing, sharing and shaping values of its storytelling. Early figures images like Augustus of Primaporta served only communication and religious purposes, as well its overlapping of the storytelling but intertwined with politics and propaganda.

Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, as he replaced the Roman republic with an effective monarchy and during his long reign brought peace and stability. His great uncle, Julius Caesar, was assassinated, he fought to avenge Caesar and both defeated Antony and Cleopatra. Instead following Caesar, as a dictator leader, he founded a system of monarchy, as headed by an emperor holding power for life. Making ultimate control of all aspects of the Roman state, with the army under his direct command. He transformed

Rome into a better place. If an emperor ruled over a period of time, an official portrait reflect his age or changing self-image. Commissioned by Augustus’ adopted son Tiberius invoked the power of imagery to communicate his ideology. Reflecting his role as Imperator, leader of the Roman Army expressing variety of political ideas, leading towards a similar Greek representation of the youthful athlete image.
With the dominating gesture it is first implied as portrait of Augustus as a general, but the statue message communicates about the emperor’s power and ideology. As it defines Augustus himself as a great military victor over Cleopatra ad Antony and a staunch supported if Roman religion. However, with the god-like image, it is hard evaporate what extend is true.
With the classical balance of the dominating gesture of the right arm with its classical pose, already sensing the emperor as the leader if the army and a military conqueror.

With the classical Greek sculpture appearing youthful and flawless. The Primaporta statue brought on a significant figure off the ionic Greek sculpture, which was influence by the height of Athens and their power.

At Augustus’ right leg there is a cupid figure riding a dolphin. The cupid and the dolphin brings more depth of character towards the sculpture. Already seeing the direct message, the audience questions of the small figure, the cupid and the dolphin. The dolphin itself becomes a symbol of Augustus great naval victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31BCE. This signified the battle not only became victorious for Rome but made Augustus’ the sole ruler of the Empire. But creating another message towards the figure, with the cupid and dolphin, that Augustus is descended from the gods.

The breastplate, covered with the figures communicates of the propaganda ideal message. As it depicts that Augustus has the gods on his side as an international military

victor.

The reason of Augustus being shown as a god-like figure is because, Julius Caesar, claimed to be descended from Venus and therefore Augustus also shared a connection to the gods. It is shown how the image his father significance as he was their leader similar towards a savoured of the people of Rome from the democratic system, implying another reason why he is like god-like figure.