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