Augustus of prima porta (copy)

artist

unknown

year

c17AD

size + material

lifesize

marble

used for

• gender

• nationality

• status

• patronage

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