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Relief Sculpture Ara Pacis Augustae ‘Altar of Augustan Peace’ 13-9 B.C. The man who started it all: Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus Caesar, the first Princeps Exterior view of Ara Pacis showing the main entrance on the Western side Note: now covered by buliding to preserve the sculptures Mythological frieze: Romulus and Remus, founders of the city Roma, in 753 BC Mythological frieze: Aeneas, former Trojan and founding father of the Romans Introduction It is built in the Field of Mars (Campus Martius) not far from Augustus’ mausoleum (restored and now resited) It was created in honour of Augustus for after he pacified the Gauls and Spaniards. It was a gesture of public thanks and was dedicated on 30th January 9 B.C Modelled on Greek Altar of Mercy in Athens Greek influence in decoration, structure, acanthus leaf scrolls Italian building materials: tufa, travertine, Carrara marble Relief scultpure is raised stone silhouette. It is produced by carving away the background Large public structure - sculpted scenes meant to be viewed Built on a podium - actual altar also raised on smaller, steeped podium Layout The outer wall is called the precinct. EAST Altar raised and faces due east. ALTAR NORTH SOUTH 9 Stairs WEST Lower Register Precinct (outer wall) Is decorated all the way around with a floral scene of swirling tendrils that finish in Acanthus leaves. Petals, lizards, snakes, birds, scenes from nature. Intricate detail. Panel appears alive. In several places a swan takes pride of place. The swan is sacred to Apollo who is Augustus’ patron diety. Lower Register Precinct (outer wall) Interior Wall Lower Register Carved to resemble wooden fencing Possibly symbolises the original wooden altar used at the dedication in 13BC prior to the stone altar being completed Upper Register, inside Wall Precinct Bulls’ skulls (bucrania), garlands, Patera (Paterae: sacrificial bowls). These may represent a sacrifice at the dedication of the altar Garlands which adorn the bulls’ skulls have fruit from all four seasons to signifiy that Augustan peace is present through the whole year Precinct, Upper Register, West Side Panel 1 Aeneas, Iulus, Lares and Penates (household gods in the shrine). They link back to Aeneas and the fall of Troy Aeneas wears veil to symbolise piety Aeneas sacrficing the Lavinian sow to the Lares and Penates. The Lavinian sow myth is one of the foundation myths of Rome. This frieze is destined to link Augustus to divine ancestry and piety Panel 2 Fragmentary Another foundation myth of Rome. Romulus and Remus suckling the shewolf. Mars, their father, looks on Aeneas (head covered to show pietas) sacrificing to the Lares and Penates His son, Ascanius or Iulus, is standing in front. He represents the link to Augustus through Julius (Iulus) Caesar Precinct, Upper Register, West Side Precinct, Upper Frieze, East Side Panel 1: Tellus Relief The central figure is Mother Earth, voluptuous and very fertile. This represents new life, peace and all things good about the Roman empire Tellus sits on a Rocky outcrop amidst nature. She holds two chubby infants who appear healthy. Drapery is billowy and body can be seen underneath Tellus has fruits and grains in her lap, well fed livestock Two maidens with their cloaks billowing represent salt water (dragon) and fresh water (swan). Reign spreads over whole world (seas) There has been controversy over whether this is actually Tellus or the goddess Pax (peace), who would be surrounded by the bounty of Augustan Peace Precinct, Upper Frieze, East Side Precinct, Upper Frieze, East Side Panel 2 Roma, Goddess enthroned on a pile of weapons. Too Fragmented. Precinct, Upper Frieze, South Side Procession of either 9 B.C. dedication or 13 B.C. inauggaration Symbolic procession of religious representative and imperial family Augustus had his head shrouded (piety) links with Aeneas on WS. He’s conducting a sacrifice Priests with candles on their heads (flamines) Augustus’ family led by Agrippa who dies in 12 B.C., his wife Lavinia and daughter Julia. This is an idea of strong family representing his political ideaology of children = wealth. Large families were provided with a tax incentive, unmarried adults were penalised. Children represent public faith in the Julio-Claudian dynasty Height of figures are varied, this draws the observers eye up and down the procession, adding interest. The Imperial family meeting the priests: Upper Frieze South Side Precinct, Upper Frieze, South Side Precinct, Upper Frieze, North Side Senators wearing wreaths and members of Rome’s most important priesthoods. End of procession standing slightly apart from the group is women and children, minor members of Augustus’ family. Precinct, Upper Frieze, North Side Altar Facing due east Central section is fragmentary: maybe goddess Pax and other gods and goddesses gathered to receive sacrifice. Raised ends: vestal virgins and their servants. Animal being led to sacrifice. Probably two narratives: the sacrifice and rituals that take place at the altar.