Roman civilization saw significant upheaval under Augustus. Being the first emperor, he employed novel communication techniques to spread his message. The focus of this exhibition is on Augustus’ use of imagery to demonstrate his might and authority.
In the first Augustus exhibition in Germany in 34 years, 220 artifacts from European institutions are on display. These include ceramics, coins, reliefs, busts, statues, and murals. A number of significant European museums are represented in the exhibition, including the Louvre in Paris, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Capitoline and Vatican Museums in Rome, the Archaeological National Museum in Naples, and others.
Roman history underwent a significant transformation once Augustus became emperor. In the past, the Roman populace controlled the government. But things altered once Augustus was crowned emperor. He passed regulations that made it much simpler for people to become wealthy, which led to an increase in the number of people commissioning paintings and sculptures. This resulted in a new kind of painting known as “imperial art,” as well as making a lot of individuals quite wealthy. This popular art was created by the people for the people. Large-scale use of marble quarries by artists in the production of new works of art began.
In five different phases, the exhibition at the Bucerius Kunst Forum presents novel approaches to working with photographs. The portrayal of the emperor and empress is covered in the first chapter. The second part examines fresh storylines and enduring visuals. The third chapter discusses the city’s new look. The fifth and concluding chapter examines images in the space between tradition and innovation. The fourth chapter discusses new and old images in cults.
Augustus supported the creation of picture galleries and in addition to wall paintings (art museums). Additionally, he used images to advertise sculpture, marble and bronze tripods, candelabras, and dinnerware. With his self-portrait, Augustus introduced the first picture advancements. The imperial family dispersed portrait heads, busts, statues, and coins across Rome and the provinces as a means of communicating with the populace. In order to enhance his reputation, Augustus also created fresh stories and iconic pictures about Rome’s past and the divine ancestry of his family. People around the empire greeted these artworks, which were on display in modern structures like the Augustus Forum.
