In the Vatican Museum, there is a sculpture of Augustus of Primaporta. Augustus was the first emperor of Rome and was also the first to circulate sculptures of himself as a source of propaganda. The work that is being referenced here was completed in 20 BCE. Though Augustus is older, he appears to be in his mid-twenties. To Augustus, age was weakness and he wanted his people to perceive him to be immortal, unaffected by human degeneration. Augustus is shown as a young soldier, adorning a military uniform, addressing the crowds with an outstretched hand that appears to be reaching towards the heavens. Augustus is holding a baton, symbolizing his authority and power. The statue is a little longer than life at 6'8", but Augustus' bare feet humanize him, grounding him in the eyes of his subjects. His naked feet humble him, but the baby Cupid at his leg apotheosizes him. By having Cupid at his side, Augustus reminds the people of his "divine heritage" and therefore says that he is more god than mortal. Throughout Augustus' reign, he continuously compared himself to the sun god Apollo, whose affair with Venus is widely known during that time. Cupid being by Augustus reaffirms his connection to Venus and therefore perpetuates the idea that Augustus is Apollo.
In contrast to Augustus' statue, which was meant to display divine authority, George Washington's statue in the Virginia State Capitol Building is meant to show George, the hardworking revolutionary, as opposed to President Washington, the American Hero. Washington, like Augustus, chose how he was going to be depicted in the statue. However, in contrast to Augustus, Washington chose to wear civilian clothes, which sends the message that Washington views himself as just another man. Washington wanted to be remembered as an ordinary man that accepted the call of his country in its time of need, hence the plow and fasces. The plow reminds the people of his farming heritage and the fasces, the ancient symbol of both unity and peace, tells the people that the country is stronger together. Washington wanted to be shown as an aged man in his fifties, with his age representing his experience. The cane that helps keep Washington upright symbolizes the sacrifices that Washington made for his country.
Both statues, with their fine marble and upright postures, exude power and leadership, but the points in which they diverge are the result of two very different leadership styles. Both men used their pasts as a way to perpetuate their desired public images, but Augustus used his to consolidate his universal authority. On the other hand, Washington's spreads his message of unity within the colonies and the power of the common man.
Emperor Augustus
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George Washington
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Photo Credit:http://www.mbradtke.de/augustus.jpg
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