Portrait Statue of Augustus

VATICAN, ROME.

This magnificent statue was found in 1863, in the Villa of Livia, about 8 miles from Rome. It is the finest imperial portrait statue that has come down to us. It represents Augustus at the age of 45; is of heroic size, about 9 feet in height. In his right hand he holds the sceptre, his left is raised as if addressing an audience. On the pedestal is a Cupid astride of a dolphin, in allusion, it is supposed, to the divine descent from Venus of the Julian family. Upon the richly sculptured cuirass are bas-reliefs representing the achievements of the Emperor. These are works of art, even finer than the statue itself. Augustus, as the sun, stands in his chariot, preceded by Aurora and Phosphorus. In the centre is a warrior saluting the sun. A legionary stands before him with a dog, symbolizing the fidelity of the army. Two children near him are supposed to be Caius and Lucius, the grandsons of Augustus. On the right and left are seated figures representing Hispania and Dalmatia, provinces conquered by Augustus. Below them is an Apollo seated on a griffin, and a Diana on a stag (the tutelary divinities of Augustus). On the shoulders are two sphinxes, indicating his conquest of Egypt. The artist is unknown, but it is evidently from the hand of one of the many Greek sculptors who followed Augustus to Rome. The material is of the finest Carrara marble.