Justinian the Conqueror (aka The Emperor Triumphant, Barberini Ivory) is thought to have been created in Constantinople (Byzantine) in the early 6th century. The artist is unknown. It is a diptych panel in five parts. The pieces’ dimensions are: 32.4 cm by 26.8 cm by 2.8 cm deep.
The second piece, Augustus of Primaporta was discovered in1863 at the villa of Augustus’ wife Livia Drusilla, and close to a late Imperial gate called Prima Porta . The artist is unknown. It is a freestanding marble sculpture in Imperial Roman style, circa 15AD, measuring 2.03 meters in height.
The diptych of Justinian depicts him as the triumphant emperor, possibly after concluding a peace treaty with the Persians in 532. Justinian the Great, as he was also known, …show more content…
Augustus Caesar, born Gaius Octavius in 63 B.C., was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 27 BC to his death in 14 AD, and his reign would begin one of the greatest cultures in the history of the world.
Justinian the Conqueror and Augustus of Primaporta share the same theme of military and political power, as well as divine representation; however the expression of these themes is quite different in these two pieces of art and will be discussed below.
Starting with Justinian the Conqueror, we first look at the medium of composition for this work of art. It is carved in high relief in ivory. It consists of four panels fitted together with tongue and groove joints with Justinian dominating the center panel. He is astride a rearing horse wearing a crown, short tunic and boots, and breastplate. His cape, or cloak, billows behind him. In his right hand he holds a lance, and behind the lance, most likely, a conquered foe. Underneath the horse is a woman. She personifies Earth, and the fruits that she holds in the folds of her dress represent the prosperity of Justinian’s reign. Her right hand reaches to Justinian’s boot in a gesture of submission. In the right upper corner of the center piece is a statuette of winged Victory. She holds a palm branch in her left hand, a symbol for victory. Her right hand, now missing, most likely …show more content…
Now we move on to Augustus of Primaporta. This piece is a life sized statue sculpted in marble. It is believed to have been commissioned in 15 AD by Augustus’ adopted son Tiberius. Like Justinian, we see Augustus in military regalia. Augustus has his right arm raised in the classic pose for orating, perhaps addressing his troops. In contrast, Justinian appears to be in the midst of, or perhaps just returning from, battle.
This representation of Augustus is quite similar to Doryphorus, a famous sculpture by Polykleitos displaying the ideal human proportions. The artist seeks to present Augustus as ideal in features, and perfect in form. Justinian is displayed as stylized, his face and features rounded though not unrealistic. Other figures and objects in the piece, indeed his own horse, are not proportional and the scenes are very
The second piece, Augustus of Primaporta was discovered in1863 at the villa of Augustus’ wife Livia Drusilla, and close to a late Imperial gate called Prima Porta . The artist is unknown. It is a freestanding marble sculpture in Imperial Roman style, circa 15AD, measuring 2.03 meters in height.
The diptych of Justinian depicts him as the triumphant emperor, possibly after concluding a peace treaty with the Persians in 532. Justinian the Great, as he was also known, …show more content…
Augustus Caesar, born Gaius Octavius in 63 B.C., was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 27 BC to his death in 14 AD, and his reign would begin one of the greatest cultures in the history of the world.
Justinian the Conqueror and Augustus of Primaporta share the same theme of military and political power, as well as divine representation; however the expression of these themes is quite different in these two pieces of art and will be discussed below.
Starting with Justinian the Conqueror, we first look at the medium of composition for this work of art. It is carved in high relief in ivory. It consists of four panels fitted together with tongue and groove joints with Justinian dominating the center panel. He is astride a rearing horse wearing a crown, short tunic and boots, and breastplate. His cape, or cloak, billows behind him. In his right hand he holds a lance, and behind the lance, most likely, a conquered foe. Underneath the horse is a woman. She personifies Earth, and the fruits that she holds in the folds of her dress represent the prosperity of Justinian’s reign. Her right hand reaches to Justinian’s boot in a gesture of submission. In the right upper corner of the center piece is a statuette of winged Victory. She holds a palm branch in her left hand, a symbol for victory. Her right hand, now missing, most likely …show more content…
Now we move on to Augustus of Primaporta. This piece is a life sized statue sculpted in marble. It is believed to have been commissioned in 15 AD by Augustus’ adopted son Tiberius. Like Justinian, we see Augustus in military regalia. Augustus has his right arm raised in the classic pose for orating, perhaps addressing his troops. In contrast, Justinian appears to be in the midst of, or perhaps just returning from, battle.
This representation of Augustus is quite similar to Doryphorus, a famous sculpture by Polykleitos displaying the ideal human proportions. The artist seeks to present Augustus as ideal in features, and perfect in form. Justinian is displayed as stylized, his face and features rounded though not unrealistic. Other figures and objects in the piece, indeed his own horse, are not proportional and the scenes are very