For most people, ancient statues are just a work of art, an object that carries the function of aesthetic beauty. However, there is something more behind it, namely, an element of propaganda. Anyone who ordered one’s sculpture wanted to emphasize greatness and strength and symbolize power. Thereby, the two statues, Augustus of Prima Porta (made in the 20th year BC, Imperial period) and Aulus Metellus (made in the early first century BC, Republican period), were created to highlight majesty and power.
The Orator, or Aulus Metellus (Latin), is a bronze sculpture portraying an Etruscan senator Aulus Metellus, and it was founded in 1566. The statue is 179 cm in height, with a classic at that time clothes, namely a tunic thrown over the left shoulder, leaving the free right hand (Arena et al. 2021). Such clothes were popular among senators or high-ranking magistrates, emphasizing their status. The pose, named contrapposto, is formulated by one leg supporting the weight of the body, and the right hand is pulled forward.
The Augustus of Prima Porta is more than two meters in height statue of Augustus, found in 1863 year, in the villa of the emperor’s wife. It depicts Octavian Augustus delivering a speech to a crowd of thousands, calling for a war against his political opponent. Despite the sculptures being similar (the same style and pose), there are some differences. Thus, Augustus is depicted in more detail, and there are more clothing elements, namely a military breastplate. Further, one may also notice the image of a child on Octavian’s right leg. In addition, on the sculpture, there is also a cane in the left hand of Augustus as a symbol of power and strength.
To sum up, it is worth mentioning that despite the differences, it is difficult not to notice the true purpose of these sculptures. Namely, to perpetuate and emphasize the strength and monumentality of the depicted persons. It is especially noticeable in the position of the head of both sculptures, namely the look forward, the straight posture, and the athletic bodies.
Reference
Arena, V., Prag, J. R., & Stiles, A. (2021). A companion to the political culture of the roman republic. John Wiley & Sons.