Side with Augustus
original south side
Processional Frieze - Area with Augustus
Although the ruler of the Roman Empire, Augustus is here represented as a normal member of the imperial family. Modern viewers might easily have difficulty identifying the emperor. As far as I know, there are no precedents in the history of art for an emperor not being clearly distinguished, normally elevated and ennobled, and it is indeed rare even today. His identification is secured by comparison with other closely related images with clearly identifiable features. It is sometimes said that all eyes turn toward Augustus, but this is clearly not the case.
TO ZOOM IN ON THE LARGE IMAGES, USE THE BUTTONS AT TOP-LEFT.
Tips for using this website
The figure of Augustus was carved on 2 adjoining marble slabs. He is only slightly distinguished from the other figures, some of whom turn toward him, others away. photo July-Oct. 2008
|
Fragments in front of (to the left of) Augustus. photo Oct. 2008
|
Heads far in front of (far to the left of) Augustus head. photo Oct. 2008
|
Augusus and figures to left and right. photo Oct. 2008
|
Just to right of center in this photo, we can see a fragment of Augustus' right forearm, but the loss of so much of his body and hands allows only speculation as to any action in which he was engaged, perhaps a supplicatio. photo Oct. 2008
|
Augustus portrayed as a priest, velied and wearing a laurel wreath. photo Oct. 2008
|
A near-frontal view of Augustus' face. Condition of his face varies greatly from area to area. Some scholars argue that the toolmarks indicate late antique reworking; others that these are characteristic of the original carving. photo Oct. 2008
|
This youthfull representation of Augustus' face is similar to that in many other identifiable portraits. photo Oct. 2008
|
The figure of Augustus is cut through by the division between two marble slabs, only this right side having surrvived. photo Oct. 2008
|
Frontal view, from below, of the unidentified heads behind Augustus. photo Oct. 2008
|
Back of Augustus and unidentified heads behind Augustus, looking various directions. photo May 2010
|
This photo is a continuation of the photo above. photo Oct. 2008
|