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Augustus of Prima Porta
£75,000.00
incl. VAT plus Shipping Costs
Delivery time: 2 weeks. Deliveries to Scotland: 3 weeks. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
USA delivery click here
Buy Augustus Primaporta sculpture as replica
One of the most famous statues of Augustus Caesar is the so-called Augustus of Primaporta. The larger-than-life statue was found on 20 April 1863 in the Villa of Livia, the house of Augustus’ wife Livia Drusilla. Primaporta is a suburb of Rome. It was damaged when it was found. This damage resulted from falls that had already occurred in antiquity. The left lower leg, the right foot and the right arm, which was raised in the air, were broken; these were subsequently restored. The statue is a marble copy of a bronze original commissioned by the Senate or other high dignitaries around 20 BC. Today the statue is in the Vatican Museums in Rome.
At first glance, this statue appears to be simply a portrait of Augustus as an orator and general, but this sculpture also conveys a great deal about the emperor’s power and ideology. Indeed, this portrait shows Augustus as a great military victor and staunch supporter of the Roman religion.
The statue also heralds the 200-year period of peace that Augustus ushered in, known as the Pax Romana.
In this freestanding marble sculpture, Augustus stands in a contrapposto pose (a relaxed posture in which one leg bears the weight). The emperor is wearing military regalia and his right arm is outstretched to show that the emperor is speaking to his troops. One immediately senses the emperor’s power as the leader of the army and as a military conqueror.
A closer look at the composition of the Primaporta statue reveals a clear resemblance to the Doryphoros by the sculptor Polyklet, a classical Greek bronze sculpture from the fifth century BC. Both have a similar contrapposto posture and are idealised. This means that both Augustus and the spearman are depicted as youthful and flawless figures: They are perfect. The Romans often modelled their art on Greek examples. This is significant insofar as Augustus is essentially depicted with the perfect body of a Greek athlete: He is youthful and masculine, although he was already middle-aged at the time the sculpture was erected. By recreating the Primaporta statue of an iconic Greek sculpture created at the height of Athens’ influence and power, Augustus associates himself with the Golden Age of that earlier civilisation.
The dolphin came to symbolise Augustus’ great naval victory over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, a victory that made Augustus the sole ruler of the empire. Cupid sitting astride the dolphin conveys another message: that Augustus is descended from the gods. Cupid is the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Julius Caesar, the adoptive father of Augustus, claimed to be descended from Venus, and so Augustus also had this connection to the gods.
The primaporta type became the predominant depiction style for portraits of Augustus. It was retained in slight variations until the death of Augustus in the year 14. According to the Augustus has not aged in his portraits due to the propagandistic purpose of these statues. Statues and portraits of this type have been found throughout the Roman Empire.
Description
Augustus Primaporta statue, cast bronze in museum quality
The sculpture is produced as a bronze cast using the traditional lost wax technique. The basis for this is a plaster cast of the original in Rome.
Buy cast marble or marble sculpture from a sculptor
In addition to classic bronze casting, we also offer two other moulds for the Augustus Primaporta sculpture shown in the online shop. Marble casting from powdered genuine white marble. And the new moulding of the statue by sculptors from a single block of white marble. If you are interested in such a mould, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your e-mail or phone call.
Authentic Reproductions of Ancient Bronze Statues: Classical Weathered Patina and, exclusively new and available only with us, the Original Antique Patina based on the latest 2022 Louvre research findings
We offer two exceptional patina options for bronze statues. The first is the classical patina, which beautifully captures the natural weathered appearance of bronze. Since the rediscovery of ancient life-sized bronzes, this patina has become the preferred choice and is available in up to three popular variations.
For enthusiasts seeking an authentic, antique aesthetic, we present a groundbreaking innovation: a faithfully recreated surface finish that matches precisely what the ancient audience would have admired. Thanks to the spectacular research findings published by the Louvre Museum in late 2022, we are now able to replicate the surface of ancient life-sized bronzes with remarkable accuracy. The multi-year study of the Charioteer of Delphi, conducted using cutting-edge technology, revealed that the statue, aside from minor details such as the eyes, headband, and belt, once displayed a high-gloss, golden sheen reminiscent of subtly shimmering gold leaf. It is therefore highly likely that renowned ancient sites, such as Delphi, Olympia, and Delos, presented themselves to ancient visitors with bronze statues gleaming in golden splendour.
This effect was achieved through the use of bronze with a 10% tin content. Armed with this scientifically substantiated knowledge, we can now offer an authentically recreated, antique surface for our reproductions of ancient life-sized bronzes – a level of precision that was unattainable prior to these 2022 research advancements.
Individualisation of the statue
Each statue cast by us is engraved in the base with a serial number, date of manufacture and our company logo. The base is also engraved with your name, a lettering, the occasion of production, your own company logo or additional engraving as required. With the engraving, your Augustus Primaporta statue purchased from us becomes a unique piece with your personal signature.
Your very personal legacy
Our life-size cast bronze replicas are therefore not only artistic replicas, but also timeless reminders that will preserve your legacy for generations to come. By engraving your name, the date and the occasion on the base, this statue becomes an everlasting symbol of your most personal life achievement, your significance in this world and your work there.
Memory cast in bronze in the radiant light of antiquity
Ancient Greek bronze statues and their masterfully crafted Roman marble replicas were the sensual and visual mirror of these two cultures for over a millennium.
advanced civilisations. After their rediscovery during the Renaissance, these statues once again became world-famous and symbolised the emergence of modernity. The statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements in the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome.
Locations for the installation of ancient statues & list of parks with ancient sculptures
In exceptionally designed gardens and parks, alongside high horticultural artistry and exceptionally beautiful design, the use of top-notch furnishings often shines. Whether it’s furniture or statues and sculptures. Now original antique statues are not or very rarely available for sale. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, costly replicas have such been made for castles, their parks, and concurrently for the mansions of the bourgeoisie who have attained great wealth. During this time, a canon for the placement and positioning of these artworks formed and developed into modern times. In our online shop, you’ll find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for ancient statues. Additionally, we provide you with an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each boasting an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, along with specific details on where each statue can be seen.
Product details
| Item No. | S50 |
|---|---|
| Material | Bronze cast |
| dimension (height x width x depth) | 220 cm x 130 cm x 96 cm |
| What you receive | Single piece, Bronze cast. The exact design details, measurements and weight as well as the structure and colour of the Bronze cast may vary. |
| Delivery | Delivered using our own van |
| Delivery Charge | Free delivery in England and Wales (except islands) and to a few EU countries. Click here for details. |
| Price incl. VAT | £75,000.00 |
