Analysis of the Roman sculpture Augustus of Prima Porta
Analysis of the Roman sculpture Augustus of Prima Porta
Research the other portraits in the portrait gallery.
Examine:
The Portrait Gallery of political leaders
Write (400–500 words):
Analyze three portraits
Address the following for each portrait:
What symbols or visual choices communicate power (divinity, strength, wisdom, charisma, etc.)?
What myths or narratives are constructed about this figure through the portrait?
What is the intended effect on the viewer or public?
Sample Answer
Analysis of Political Portraiture: Power, Myth, and Public Impact
The Augustus of Prima Porta stands as a quintessential example of how Roman sculpture was meticulously crafted to project power, divinity, and strategic narratives. When viewed alongside other iconic political portraits, a fascinating commonality emerges: the deliberate use of visual symbolism to construct a powerful public image, shaping perception and solidifying authority. This analysis will examine three political portraits, including Augustus of Prima Porta, exploring the visual choices, constructed myths, and intended effects on the viewer.
1. Augustus of Prima Porta (Roman, c. 20 BCE – 15 CE)
- Symbols and Visual Choices: Augustus’s portrait is replete with symbolism. His idealized, youthful face, despite his age at the time of its creation, projects eternal youth and divine favor, linking him to the gods. The bare feet often symbolize divi or heroism. His commanding gesture, reminiscent of an orator addressing troops, conveys leadership and authority. The intricate cuirass (breastplate) tells a complex narrative: the central scene depicts the return of the Roman legionary standards from the Parthians, a major diplomatic victory for Augustus, effectively showing him as the restorer of Roman honor and peace (Pax Romana). Figures like Tellus (Mother Earth) and Apollo and Diana further connect him to prosperity, order, and divine protection. The Cupid riding a dolphin at his feet links him to Venus (through his adoptive father, Julius Caesar), reinforcing his divine lineage.