Augustus as General
Factual Information:
From: Primaporta, Italy
Period: 20 BCE
Period: 20 BCE
General Information:
This large statue was a large idealization of a leader of the Roman people. Augustus is shown in the role of Imperator, or a commander of the army. This usually means that the statue was made to commemorate his latest victories. He is in military clothing, and carrying a large consular baton and raising his right hand to address the troops. The baby near the bottom of the statue is cupid, who Augustus claimed heritage to. It is one of the best examples of propaganda in art, as Augustus is highly idealized and seen as a youth-full military leader. This was made to make people in aw of him, the essence of propaganda.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen because of its use of propaganda. Something that was not used in ancient Greece, whom Rome claims most of their art forms from. It is interesting as it gives us a glimpse into what they see in an ideal leader, which inturn gives a glimpse into their culture of what a leader should be lik.e