Ara Parcis of Augustus

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Recommended: Augustus of Prima Porta

The Augustus of Prima Porta is a white marble statue of Augustus Caesar found in his wife’s villa in 1863 in the city of Prima Porta found just north of Rome. It is thought to be a copy of a bronze original, devoted to Augustus by the senate in 20 BC; this marble depiction commissioned by Tiberius Caesar to his mother Livia Drusilla, who had married Augustus in 39 BC. The statue, standing 2.03 meters tall, depicts Augustus as an orator and great general. The statue also portrays subtle ideologies, continuing to put forward his imperator role and even suggesting his divine status.
Form
The Prima Porta is made of white marble, and is believed to be based upon a possible bronze original that was placed in a public place. Augustus is depicted as an orator, arm outstretched – presumably addressing the troops or the many. He is dressed in an Abdominal Cuirass covering his torso, draped in a Paludementum. Cupid is also cast at the feet of Augustus, riding a dolphin. Tiberius also made a significant addition to his marble copy: on the chest plate, he added scenes depicting the Roman victory over the Parthian’s.

Style
The style of this statue is a fusion of two styles of art:
Roman Realism – The features of the statues head are accurate, depicting his sombre expression and characteristic fringe. The orator’s stance is typical of that of the republican Aulus Metellu (or Arringatore) , and could refer to his political prowess and wisdom as well as his republican patronage.
Greek Idealism – While the features of the head are very accurate, the distant and tranquil expression suggests idealism. The body proportions and stance could be directly influenced by the idealized physique of The Doryphorus of Polykeitos . Also the fact he is portr...

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...emoration statue is for an audience, it is propaganda to the masses. The statue illustrates the supreme ruler and the supreme-being he is subsequently, the idea that there should be no other person so perfect for the role of Imperator is emphasized. The statue is used to convince plebes and patricians alike, in both the age of Augustus as well as Tiberius, that there could be no other leader that could fit the role of Imperator so perfectly. Because of the strength of Augustus’s portrayed character, people are willing to trust in a leader with such attributes. The political wisdom, military dexterity and divine lineage; Augustus the perfect Emperor has brought about the Golden Age.
“The statue conveys auctoritas ... and envelops Augustus, the ‘Revered One’, in a fitting aura of divinity.” (Augustan Culture, Karl Galinsky, Prince University Press, 1996 - p24)

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