Explain the significance of the Augustus of Primaporta and Ara Pacis Augustae in terms of propaganda.

What will be an ideal response?

The Augustus of Primaporta larger-than-life-size sculpture named for its location at the home of Augustus’ wife, Livia, at Primaporta, on the outskirts of Rome. Augustus, like Aeneas, was duty-bound to exhibit pietas, the obligation to his ancestor “to rule earth’s peoples.” The sculpture, though recognizably Augustus, is nevertheless idealized. On Augustus’ breastplate, a bearded Parthian from Asia Minor hands over Roman standards that had been lost in a battle of 53 BCE. By 20 BCE, when the original version of this statue was carved—most scholars believe the sculpture we have now is actually a later copy—Augustus had won the Roman standards back. Augustus also commissioned a large monument to commemorate his triumphal return after establishing Roman rule in Gaul and restoring peace to Rome, the Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace). Its exterior walls on the south are decorated with a retinue of Augustus’ own family, a model for all Roman citizens, and a procession of many representatives of the Roman people. Art historians believe that the Ara Pacis Augustae represents a real event. The realism of the scene is typically Roman. The Ara Pacis Augustae shows the importance of family for Augustus and presents an argument for Augustus as a peacemaker.