Augustus of prima porta

artist

unknown

year

c17AD

size + material

lifesize

marble

used for

• gender
• nationality
• status
• patronage

compare with

• Arnolfini Portrait (status, nationality, gender)
• self portrait…Mexico (nationality, gender)
• Venus of Urbino (gender)

depicts

augustus, roman emperor, raising arm lading people with a small cherub in bottom left

clothes

• sphynx on shoulders = link to his takeover of ancient Egypt
• sky god, goddess of dawn, god of war, god of earth = controls everything in earth and heavens
• toga = senator wore it, show power and position
• no shoes = divinity status

face

• indirect eye contact = higher status
• classical roman style = compare to greeks idealism
• Ceaser hair cut =relative and inspiration
• stern expression = power over others

pose

• contrapposto = movement, common in status statues
• broad shoulders pushed back = control and power
• arm raised, ad locutio = commanding people, all listen to him

cupid and dolphin

• cupid = son of Venus
• sat on dolphin = naval success

gender

• armour plate of sculptures, sphinx = strong warrior + fights battles - ref to his victory over Egypt

• angular muscles = strong and masculine body shape - ideal

• open shoulders and broad chest = confidence and assertive authority

• stern expression = power over others, classical Rome realism

• life size 2m = gives him height over others, overarching + important

• face idealised to look younger = youthful and achieved success early in life

nationality

• armour plate of sculptures, sphinx = strong warrior + fights battles for country, took over Egypt
• realism in face = typical of classical Rome
• toga = senator wore it, show power and position
• cupid = son of Venus

status

• armour plate of sculptures, sphinx = strong warrior + fights battles for country, took over Egypt

• life size 2m = gives him height over others, overarching + important

• stern expression = power over others, classical Rome realism

• arm raised, ad locutio = commanding people, all listen to him, leadership

• controposto = divinity status

• armour with figurines on, sky god, goddess of dawn, god of war, god of earth = controls everything in earth and heavens