ROMAN ART AT ITS FINEST

The Augustan Age

Verism to Eternal Youth

What was Verism? Creating statues and busts that accurately depict the

subjects age or even make him look older. What was the purpose behind this style?

Showed that the subject had devoted his life to his family, the gods and the state.

When Augustus takes over the style of art drastically changes.

Augustus

What do you know? He was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. He took power in 27 BCE after a bloody civil

war.He is considered to be the first emperor of

Rome. When he took power he was only 33. He died at the age of 76.

Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print.

Bust of Augustus

~50 AD. Depicts Augustus as a young man. He wears the civic crown.

This was a crown of oak leaves. Given to a citizen who saved the lives of fellow

citizens. Second highest military honor.

Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print.

Augustus as imperator

20 BCE., found at the villa of LiviaMarble copy of a bronze original. Shows Augustus in a military role. He has bare feet to show his divinity. Cupid riding a dolphin at his foot reminds the

viewer of his divine lineage. His breast place shows the return of the

Parthians returning lost military standards. Augustus depicted as youthful.

Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print.

Augustus as pontifex maximus

12 BCE. Depicts Augustus as chief priest. He wears a toga that also covers his head. His hand would have held a small bowl with

an offering to the gods. Statue was made in two parts:

Less skilled craftsmen made the body while a highly skilled craftsman made the head.

Augustan Art

Always shows Augustus as a young man. Statues show his divinity. Statues also show his many roles that he

plays in the government.

Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print.