70
Augustus of Prima Porta, after the archaeological model, Rome, 19th century
Bronze with black patina and gilding
The Augustus of Prima Porta, now preserved in the Vatican Museums in Rome, is a larger-than-life-sized marble sculpture. It was excavated from the home of Livia, wife of Augustus, in the villa of Prima Porta in 1863. Sometimes called Augustus Loricato (after lorica, the legionary armor he wears), the marble sculpture was often translated into bronze during the Grand Tour period.
This sculpture was almost certainly made by a specialized Roman foundry. The quality of reproduction of the relief decoration present on the lorica is high, as well as the rendering of the drapery and the description of the features of the face and hands.
Live auction 306
Sculpture and Small Bronzes from 15th to 19th Century
Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, fri 28 June 2024
SINGLE SESSION 28/06/2024 Hours 16:00