APAH U5- Vettii and Prima Porta

DATE: 2nd Century BCE

MEDIUM: Cut stone and fresco

Culture of Origin: Imperial Roman

Location: Pompeii, Italy

House of the Vettii

• Mt. Vesuvius erupts Aug. 14, 79 CE.

• Eruption lasted 18 hours. Smoke and ash blotted out daylight for two days. Towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum buried under 18 ft. of ash. 2,000 people killed in Pompeii alone.

• Pompeii = resort city for wealthy upper class. Most evacuated after initial earthquake before eruption.

• City rediscovered in 18th century (16 centuries later)

CONTEXT: Pompeii

During excavations, voids discovered around skeletal remains. Plaster used to fill voids and recreate figures of Pompeii residents in their last hours.

CONTEXT: Pompeii

Roman forum= rectangular plaza in city. Acted as a civic center, area for processions, public speeches, and commercial affairs.

CONTEXT: Roman Homes and Life

Multiple Choice

Figures of corpses from Pompeii were formed from the ash produced by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius

• TRUE

• FALSE

• Homes divided into public and private spaces.

• Had to enter through atrium (public space for gatherings) which led into other parts of home.

• Roof partially open to allow sunlight and rain water. Rainwater collected in impluvium (square in center of atrium on map).

• Often had peristyle (pink area on map- a courtyard surrounded by a row of columns).

CONTEXT: Roman Homes and Life

• House of Vettii owned by two brothers. Former slaves before being freed.

• Survived because of ash from Vesuvius eruption- preserved murals and architecture.

• ​Fresco murals of Cupid collecting grapes and root systems found in ground suggest they were wine merchants.

• Murals depicted myths of gods and goddesses, usually specific to the room. (Venus in the bedroom, Dionysus in the kitchen, etc,)

CONTENT

Another mural shows Herakles as an infant strangling two snakes sent by Hera, wife of Zeus, to kill the child demi-god.

CONTENT

Myths depicted include Pentheus, King of Thebes, being killed by followers of Dionysus (god of wine) after claiming Dionysus was not a god.

• View from inside atrium of House of Vetti looking out towards peristyle courtyard.

• Impluvium shown on the floor (where rainwater collects).

Fresco murals surrounded by architectural columns which are also painted in fresco style.

Painted architecture creates illusion of depth and space.

No windows in most of house (privacy); murals act as "windows."

Form

Atmospheric Perspective: techniques used by an artist to create a sense of depth and distance by making objects in the background less intense in color and focus while foreground objects are clear and more boldly colored.

Form

Characters in foreground: more contrasting and focused

Ionic temple in background less focused and lighter in color.

Open Ended

Define fresco.

Multiple Choice

Select the best example of an artwork that displays atmospheric perspective.

• Domus (ancient Roman dwelling; "house") acted as a display of wealth and status.

• Republican society functioned on patron-client relationship. Patrons met with clients in their home; put pressure on patrons to have fashionable homes.

• Patrocinium: patron would provide sponsorship, legal favors, and protection in return for servitude of clients.

Function

Augustus of Prima Porta

DATE: Early 1st century AD

MEDIUM: Marble copy of bronze original

Culture of Origin: Imperial Roman

Location: Primaporta, Italy

• Julius Caesar murdered March 44 BCE. Augustus (also known as Octavius) was his grand-nephew and adopted son. Was 17 at murder of Caesar.

• Battle of Actium in 31 BCE marks victory of Augustus over naval fleet of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra

• Officiated monarchy in 27 BCE. Given title of Caesar Augustus.

• Transitions from Roman Republic to Roman Empire.

• Begins an era of relative peace and economic prosperity for Empire known as "Pax Romana" 27 BCE - 180 CE

CONTEXT:

• Marble sculpture displays ​Augustus as an orator (public speaker) during an address. Also shown as military leader by wearing breastplate.

• Cupid riding a dolphin shown at feet. Julius Caesar claimed to be descendent of Venus, Augustus claimed same association, tying him to divine. Dolphin representative of his naval victories.

CONTENT

Multiple Choice

Which animal and deity combo is shown at the feet of the Augustus of Prima Porta?

• Cupid and Whale

• Cupid and Dolphin

• Poseidon and Dolphin

• Poseidon and Shark

Multiple Choice

The inauguration of Caesar Augustus marks the change for Rome from a [?] to a [?]

• Empire ; Republic

• City-state ; Republic

• Republic ; Empire

• Republic ; City-state

• Breast plate depicts victory over Parthians; avenged Roman defeat 15 years earlier

• Top: Displays Augustus's protection from gods. Sun being driven across sky in chariot. Female personifications of countries conquered by Augustus.

• Center: Parthian shown returning military standard

• Bottom: Mother Earth shown with two babies and cornucopia. Shows his rule over land. Apollo and Diana shown giving favor.

CONTENT

• Augustus shown in contrapposto pose​. Intentionally referring back to Classical Golden Age of Greek sculpture.

• Moves away from Roman tradition of displaying older rulers. Augustus shown youthful and strong (was actually commissioned during his middle age).

FORM

• Backside uncarved. Meant to be placed against a wall.

• Propaganda: meant to mold public opinion; communicates victories and ideologies

• Breast plate: Sun shining overhead symbolizes the sun shining over Roman Empire under his rule, he is the bringer of peace (Pax Romana)

• Ties him directly to gods (divine rule).

FUNCTION

Multiple Choice

The choice of imagery on the breastplate of the individual depicted was most likely intended to elicit which of the following responses from viewers?

• Reverence for his status as only prophet of a single true deity

• Appreciation of his services as protector of peace and prosperity

• Empathy for his display of humility and earthly suffering

• Fear of his power to hand out judgment and punishment to his people

Multiple Choice

The sculptor of the work shown chose to show the figure’s arm extended to

• emphasize the importance of casting a vote

• dramatize a confrontation with another ruler

• demonstrate his piety through a gesture of prayer

• highlight his speaking skills as a gifted orator

Multiple Choice

Which of the following works is most similar in function to the Augustus of Prima Porta?

• Doryphoros (spear-bearer)

• Veranda post of enthroned king

• Mao Zedong en route to Anyuan

• Portrait of Sin-Sukju

Open Ended

Identify ONE visual element from the Augustus Prima Porta that characterizes it as a work of propaganda and explain how the element functions as propaganda.