Octavian Caesar, or as he is better known,
Augustus, is one of the most recognizable and
best-loved figures of history. With his great
respect for art and his patient diligence in
government, this ruler was able to raise a
republic fraught with tension and civil disorder to
the empire that would shape all of European
history. So loved was Augustus as father of the
Roman world, that upon his death he was
deified. Most surviving depictions of Augustus
portray him in the later phases of life, as the
dignified sage that he was in his late sixties and
early seventies. But Augustus did not rise to
power due to the majestic wisdom that is so
often associated with him and the years of his
long and fruitful reign. Rather, it was the fierce
intelligence, confident and warrior-like strength,
and moderated energy that this portrait exudes.
Augustus defeated Marc-Antony and became
master of the Roman world at age 33, and
immediately set about redefining the Roman way
of life. It is easy to imagine these olive-shaped
eyes, so clear and vigorous under the firm brow,
poring over his architect’s plans for new temples
and aqueducts, or penetrating the obsequious
mask of a courier or diplomat. It is easy to
imagine his mouth, so regal and shapely, pouring
forth rhetoric- soldiers leaping to his lip’s
command, senators swayed by their enticement,
artists stirred by their praise. For classical
enthusiasts, and anyone who is exhilarated by
being in the presence of giants, this piece has an
unusual hold. It does not show us a conqueror as
we usually see them. Rather than basking in the
aftermath of his success, being sculpted in the
light of posterity- this piece shows us the God
when he was still mortal. Octavian’s ambition,
his potential, and his zeal are forever
immortalized in this masterwork. For those of us
who have yet to reach Olympus, yet are certain
that a throne lies in wait for us, this piece is a
reminder of the common origin of all geniuses,
giants, and prodigies. We see, in the tension of
our young Augustus, a reflection of our own
ability and our own potential- and for this, just
as much as for its aesthetic perfection, we value
this piece as an undeniable product of artistic
brilliance. This stunning marble portrait of
Caesar Augustus shows his valiant and powerful
place in history. As the heir to Julius Caesar,
Augustus faced the enormous task of
reorganizing the Roman Empire. Though there
were many trials, Augustus managed to gain
ultimate power. By the age of 33, Augustus was
master of the entire roman world. Augustus was
a brilliant commander and wise ruler. He used
the art of portraiture to communicate his image
to his subjects and neighbors with the intent to
illustrate his discerning might and unparalleled
power unseen since the time of Alexander the
great.
- (LO.1325)
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