ARA PACIS - NORTH & SOUTH PANELS Flashcards
What do these panels depict?
A explicit celebration of Augustus himself. There is a procession with members of the Roman Senate and Augustus’ own family.
What does having these members present replicate?
Having the Roman Senate and Augustus’ family present, the replication is that Augustus is fully supported by all the important institutes in his life.
Describe the pattern and what this suggests.
The continuous sun-like meander pattern, which splits all of the walls in half horizontally suggests that Augustus will continue to receive support throughout his reign, and celebrates the strength of his leadership ability.
What do the nature symbols reaffirm the ideas of?
Reaffirm the ideas of fertility and prosperity seen elsewhere in the Ara Pacis, but they are also symmetrical and therefore represent the value of order and the control of man - they may even suggest Roman dominance over the world.
What did Rome tend to value and how did the pattern reflect ideas of strength?
Rome tended to value gentler ideas at this time like prosperity and fertility, they also valued strength, which is shown by the symmetrical nature patterns, especially military strength.
What is the hidden message (allegorical) on this panel and how does he show this?
That Augustus is the bringer of the ‘new’ golden age. His head is covered to communicate that he is also the pontifex-maximus, showing that he is the bringer of the importance of family, he is the one closest to the Gods.
What did the iconography of the north and south panels assure the Roman populace of?
Assured the Roman populace that they had the strong political figure they so desperately needed.
