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dhamilton-grenham · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 12

sentence: Over the next several years a new set of images symbolizing the bessngs of abundance appeared on the most varied monument. as in the rituals of the Secular Festival, the focus was on the promise of fertility in nature- and of course in men an women.
i think that what agustus was saying was that the world was better while he was around and that there was more abundance of goods and other things like that. and he was trying to tell people to procreate as much as they can so the can have new people and new lands and other fun roman stuff. in the venus and mars things i think he was saying that the virtus of rome are in these two gods and that they should abide by their standards and teachings. alsowith the picturing of them with or without clothing and wings these were to show their dignity and yet there complete devotion at the ssame time. or different times cause they would be different statues. so yeah

zozo · Joined: 14 May 2010 Posts: 10

I agree with what D said, that really he was just trying to show how much stuff had improved when he came to power. Also throughout that reading there was a lot of talking about the "wealth" (food) abundance and just the greatness of lots of stuff. Kind of like reflecting on the times. Because as artists say the art reflects the times, it is made in. But he is really clever. Because if he said right out like oh things are great now. ie: because I am the leader now and I have made things better, he would sound full of himself and people wouldn't like that. So like any good roman he sais things the round-about way or "indirectly" and shows how good things are because of himself.

mswartz · Joined: 07 May 2010 Posts: 43

"Not many years before, in 20 B.C., in the round temple on the Capitol he was still shown youthful and nude, in an archaistic striding pose. Now he wears a richly decorated breastplate, a splendid helmet and greaves, and holds spear and shield." (page 198-199) I think Augustus is trying to show the difference of how Rome was after Julius Caesar death and when he(augustus) came into power in new fashion which was through art. This quote seemed similar to the quote we had last night for homework, with the bricks and marble.

The god they are talking about in the quote is Ares who is the greek god of war. I think Augustus is pointing out how unprepared/unorganized, young, and naive Ares (and most of Rome) was before Augustus came into power. Once Augustus came into power, Ares matured and became more knowledgeable and strong. Ares was also well prepared for any battle with helmets, spears, and shields. Similar to how Rome was shaped during Augustus' rule and became stronger.

wlotas · Joined: 11 May 2010 Posts: 11

"The image of Pax, though filled with symbolism and capable of conjuring up so many associations, was nevertheless easy to read, thanks to the clearly organized composition."
Augustus uses composition as the primary component of his "subliminal" artwork. By placing specific objects in a single scene, they now develop a connection that the viewer can relate in their mind. By using previously created artwork of religious deities and then creating artwork of humans that possess similar qualities, we now relate the two to share a common aspect. Augustus wants to enhance Roman imagery by comparing the old to the new. People can easily associate previously learned concepts with new ones presented, making it easier to convey ideas.

asanchez · Joined: 11 May 2010 Posts: 5

i also agree with douglas and zoe. i think that the main purpose of this was to prove that everything was better once he came into power, and that while under his power, it was easier for things to improve. in the art i believe that that was being depicted because it would prove that things can change with a leader like this.

sgord · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 7

Like all great dictators, Augustus uses a sort of subliminal messaging system found throughout all the art, architecture, and literature conceived in his reign. Augustus uses symbols of fertility, motherhood, and obedient symbols for women, while he labels all manly figures as aggressive, yet protective at the same time; these messages are subconsciously rooted in the mind of the Roman people, thereby changing citizens into said qualities. He often interweaves elements of the old Roman art, as an attempt to communicate to the Romans, a people who love their history, that Augustus and his government are still the same Republic the people recognize, while making a few changes to suit the system for the better.

Aaron Sabot · Joined: 11 May 2010 Posts: 9

"These new gods, however, embodied powers and values that could only be approximated in attributes" (174)

What Augustus is saying with the first image (The Telus Relief on Ara Pacis) is essentially that if you have children this could be your reward, because the woman with two children is surrounded by wealth and prosperity. However, Augustus is is saying this very subtly, as he is not only making the point that individuals will prosper but that Rome will prosper, and by using traits of multiple deities Augustus portrays Rome as a new, splendid melting pot of riches and abundance. This strengthens the idea of what Rome is in peoples heads and encourages them to continue on so they too can achieve this success. It strengthened the resolve of the Romans and weakened the resolve of Rome's enemies.

efitzpatrick · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 4

i must agree with sam in many ways, but i wouldnt call it a subliminal message. much of what augustus has done was because people trusted him enough to give him power, so they could do nothing when he wanted to use it. this gives him a form of immortality in his reign because he is thought of as "the one." this can mean many things, but everything that it means is good for augustus. The reading itself is very... interesting to say the least. Obviously being satire it was suppose to take a side and partially make fun of everyone who opposes it, but being early satire it was not very good at making a point through extreme situations and bizarre characters.

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