Commissioned in 1580 by either his son Tiberius or his wife Livia, this Augustus of Prima Porta is a copy of the bronze original which dated back to about 20 BCE. The figure is posed in a speech-giving stature, and is based off the Doryphorus, or the ideal, athletic male. His right arm is stretched out in a noble gesture which is counterbalances by his bent, left leg. He has a broad cranium and deep set eyes, his face being depicted in the manner of Apollo to portray himself as a perfect leader with flawless features. His stature indicates that he had a firm ability to a society and empire.

Unlike Augustus, the Imperial Procession is a relief sculpture that surrounds the Ara Pacis. It is meant to represent the annual sacrificial procession at the order of the senate. The figures most likely represent priests and members of Augustus’ family, but there are no firm identities. The Ara Pacis was designed to celebrate Augustus’ return from the war in Spain and Gaul. There are higher and lower relief figures as well, which adds depth and portrays a sense of space. The relief was originally painted.

Both pieces of work were meant to honor Augustus, in one way or another. The first, depicting Augustus himself in a light that is bold and practically perfect, however false the depiction may be. The second is dedicated to him as almost a shrine. However, ironically, and according to Mary Ann Sullivan of Bluffton University, the actual inauguration, or ceremonial dedication, did not occur until about three and a half years later.

Works Cited

Sullivan, Mary Ann. “Images of the Ara Pacis.” Images of the Ara Pacis. Bluffton University, n.d. Web. <https://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/italy/rome/arapacis/arapacis.html>.