https://classicalchopped2.artinterp.org/omeka/files/original/a5822a61cd9696d5991e1c8484d4c322.jpg 0cbcc2a77f7764cbcbd761d68b876a87 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Prima Porta Augustus Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource AD 15 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Marble Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 203 cm tall Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Italy, Rome, Prima Porta, Via Flaminia, Ruins of the Villa of Livia Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Vatican Museums, Italy Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Isabella Laurel Description An account of the resource Description: The statue is of Augustus himself with a youthful, idealized body and in the adlocutio pose. He stands contrappasto with most of his weight on his right leg and his left leg trailing behind him. His hair is in the Primaporta hair type, but has the addition of comma locks. He is dressed in military attire, wearing a cuirass and a draped paludamentum hanging on his left arm and wrapping around his hips and the hilt of the sword showing through the cloak. The cuirass has an intricate scene decoration featuring gods and goddesses and the return of the lost standard of the Golden Eagle. His legs are visible from just above the knee and below and he is depicted without shoes on, instead of wearing the typical military caligi. At his right leg, a baby cupid with wings is riding a dolphin and reaches the height of Augustus’ knee. Significance: The youthful depiction of Augustus shows longevity and potential for his rule over Rome. It also shows him as a semi-divine figure as gods were depicted as youthful and strong. This calls back to the Greek ideal of youthfulness and athleticism, which Augustus is adopting despite the fact that he was middle-aged during the making of this portrait. The primaporta hair type is classified as a cap of hair with a part above the inner left eye followed by an immediate crab claw. The hair is flatter and not as much volume, but this depiction of the primaporta hair type includes comma locks. The inclusion of comma locks connects Augustus to his adoptive father, Caesar, and brings Caesar’s victories and accomplishments to the viewer’s mind when looking at Augustus’ portrait. The adlocutio pose shows Augustus in the role of an orator, actively speaking and addressing his troops, possibly inspiring them to go into battle. The cuirass, paludamentum, and sword hilt show Augustus in the role of a military commander. The main decoration of the cuirass is the return of the military standard of the Golden Eagle. This is significant because Augustus was able to conquer a foreign territory and obtain the Golden Eagle from the Parthians by negotiation, not by warfare. This communicates the image of Augustus as the bringer of Pax Romana to Rome. There are female personifications of territories surrounding the central scene that provide a visual reference to the other territories Augustus had conquered. The presence of gods and goddesses on the cuirass show that Augustus has the support of the divine. More symbolism of the divine are the cupid and dolphin at his right leg. The dolphin is an attribute to Venus, but also an allusion to his naval victory of Actium over Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Baby cupid is the son of Venus and another nod to his divine lineage. His adopted father, Caesar claimed to be descended from Venus, therefore so was Augustus. His bare feet are a nod to nudity, which is a feature of depictions of divine figures. It is also a feature of Greek athletes, again showing his youthfulness, strength, and divine lineage. In this portrait, Augustus is in the role of orator, military commander, and a young Apollo. These images were used as propaganda to rally the support of Roman citizens and show his strength as a ruler. Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Augustus was the title held by Gaius Octavius Thurinus. He was the first Emperor of Rome, and ruled from 27 BC - AD 14. He formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus before becoming Emperor. His most notable victories include the defeat of Mark Antony at Actium and the return of the Golden Eagle military standard from the Parthians. After his death, he was deified. References A related resource that is referenced, cited, or otherwise pointed to by the described resource. Chisholm, Kitty and John Ferguson. (1981). Rome: The Augustan Age; A Source Book. Oxford: Oxford University Press, in association with the Open University Press. http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/braccio-nuovo/Augusto-di-Prima-Porta.html Scott, Kenneth. "The Political Propaganda of 44–30 B.C." Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome, Vol. 11, (1933), pp. 7–49. Zanker, P. (1988) The power of images in the age of Augustus. Translated by Alan Shapiro. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, p. 188.