Myth And Symbols Of Power: The Prima Porta Of Augustus Flashcards
Who was Octavius
Was the great nephew of Julius Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated Octavius was named as heir and adopted son
What did Octavius change his name to
Augustus meaning ‘serene’
What is the Prima Porta an example of
It is an example of Propaganda - it had to appear that he had restored Rome to a republic but still have his status of retaining all power as the ‘first citizen of Rome’
What does the statue initially appear as
It appears to simply resemble a portrait of Augustus as an orator and general
What does Augustus show himself as in the statue
He shows himself as a great military victor and a staunch supporter of Roman religion
What is a contrapposto pose
A relaxed pose where one leg bares most weight
How does the statue mirror the Golden age of Greek architecture
There is an allusion to the Greek statue The Spear-Bearer - both have contrapposto stances and are idealised: they are both shown as youthful and flawless. Yet ironically at the time of commissioning the sculpture Augustus was middle aged
what does the statue foretell
The 200 year period of peace that Augustus initiated called the Pax Romana
What is at Augustus is the right leg and what does it symbolise
A Cupid figure riding a dolphin the dolphin. The dolphin symbolises Augustus’ great naval victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The Cupid shows Augustus was descended from Venus
What is one thing the breastplate features
A Roman soldier receiving the Roman standards. It is a direct reference to Rome’s international diplomatic victory
What does the top of the breastplate feature
There are Gods at the top, Sol and Caelus, the sun and sky gods. They symbolise the Sun is going to shine on all regions of the Roman Empire bringing peace and prosperity for all
What are featured on the sides of the breastplate
They are female personifications of country is conquered by Augustus and refer to the Pax Romana
What is featured at the bottom of the breastplate
The goddess Tellus, the earth Goddess, Cradling two babies presumably Romulus and Remus and holds the Cornucopia, it is an additional allusion to the Pax Romana and symbolises fertility and plenty
What was seeing when Julius Caesar died
A shooting star was seen and it was believed that Julius Caesar had became a God therefore Augustus became the son of a God adding divi fillius to his name
Give 4 things the Prima Porta represents
- recreates the Golden Age of fifth-century Greek architecture.
- emphasises the Peace of Rome (Pax Romana)
- appeases the gods through Pax Deorum (Peace of the Gods)
- promotes his families divine links
