Lecture on Caesar Augustus and Ancient Roman Sculpture

Introduction to Caesar Augustus

• Caesar Augustus was the first official emperor of the Roman Empire.
• Known for the famous sculpture "Augustus of Prima Porta."
  • Carved in the 1st century AD.
  • Rediscovered in the 1860s.
  • Currently housed in the Vatican Museums.

Misconceptions about Ancient Sculptures

• Common misconception: Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures appeared in white marble.
• Reality: Originally painted in vibrant colors.

Origin of the Misconception

• Influence of Renaissance artists like Michelangelo.

  • Renaissance artists imitated the Roman sculptures which had lost their color over time.
  • White marble style became widespread.

• Johann Joachim Winckelmann's Influence

  • Known as the father of art history.
  • Promoted the idea that white marble was the epitome of beauty.
  • Ignored evidence of colored sculptures.

Rediscovery of Ancient Colors

• Evidence from Pompeii

  • Preservation of colorful frescoes and statues.
  • Mural depicting an artist painting a sculpture.

• Loss and potential destruction of sculpture color

  • Example: Augustus’s statue initially reported to have vibrant colors.
  • Possible over-cleaning or purposeful removal of color.

Advancements in Understanding Ancient Colors

• Shift in art historian perspectives to focus on historical accuracy.

• Techniques for uncovering original colors:

  • Use of ancient descriptions and visible color traces.
  • Ultraviolet light to reveal hidden traces of pigments.
  • 3D scanning and plaster replicas for accurate reconstructions.

• Importance of Color in Ancient Art

  • Enhanced the lifelike and divine qualities of sculptures.
  • Contributed to the drama, emotion, and storytelling in art.

Conclusion

• Full-color reconstructions provide insight into the ancient world.
• They allow us to better understand the aesthetic and cultural values of the Greeks and Romans.
• Although not perfect, these reconstructions help us to appreciate ancient art's intended impact.