Why was the Prima Porta built?
It was found in the villa of Livia in Prima Porta and was constructed to commemorate the Roman victory over the Parthians in 20 B.C. It gives the portrait of Augustus as a handsome and young ruler, wearing a decorated cuirass and a tunic, with the figure of Cupid riding a dolphin on his side.
What style is the Prima Porta Augustus?
Despite the Republican influence in the portrait head, the overall style is closer to Hellenistic idealization than to the realism of Roman portraiture. The reason for this style shift is the acquisition of Greek art. Following each conquest, the Romans brought back large amounts of Greek art.
What is depicted in the center of the cuirass?
The breastplate In the central zone of the cuirass are two figures, a Roman and a Parthian. On the right, the enemy Parthian returns military standards. This is a direct reference to an international diplomatic victory of Augustus in 20 B.C.E., when these standards were finally returned to Rome after a previous battle.
When was the Prima Porta discovered?
20 April 1863
This beautifully decorated statue, expertly carved in marble from the Greek island of Paros, was discovered 20 April 1863 during archaeological excavations at the villa of the Emperor’s wife, Livia Drusilla.
Where is the Augustus of Primaporta?
Vatican MuseumsAugustus of Prima Porta / Location
Why is the Prima Porta barefoot?
Augustus of Prima Porta. The statue of Augustus shows the emperor with bare feet. Some have interpreted the bare feet to symbolize Augustus’ divine status 4 . In this case, the statue may be a copy of an original bronze sculpture located in either Rome or the east, created after the deification of Augustus.
Why is it called the Prima Porta?
Augustus of Prima Porta. The area took its name from the gate that was formed by the arch of an aqueduct crossing the ancient Roman road. As the gate was the first sign that travellers to Rome had reached the city of Rome, it became known as the Prima Porta, or first door. hence the name given to the statue.
What does the breastplate on the Augustus of Prima Porta represent?
Augustus of Prima Porta The Breastplate of the Statue The cuirass of the statue signifies Augustus as the leader of military power. The breastplate is covered with figures and is a complex of Augustan and Tiberian propaganda. It commemorates Augustus’ victory over the Parthians in 20 B.C. The figures on the breastplate have a cosmic setting.
What is a cuirass?
The cuirass was almost universally worn throughout its lifespan as a form of armor. Thus, the globule form of the breast-armor of the Black Prince, in his effigy in Canterbury Cathedral, 1376, intimates that a cuirass (as well as a hauberk) is to be considered to have been covered by the royalty-emblazoned jupon of the Prince.
What is a cuirass breastplate?
About the middle of the 15th century, the breastplate of the cuirass was made in two parts; the lower adjusted to overlap the upper, held together with a strap or sliding rivet in order to add flexibility to the advantages plate armor had over mail.