ANCIENT ROME
PART A:
Choose ONE work of art OR architecture from three time periods, (see table below, Roman time period is compulsory) and for EACH artwork:
Prima Porta Augustus - Hitler - Napoleon
Complete the A3 template – one for each artwork
Provide a clear reproduction and a brief fact file (annotate the key features)
Explain the subject matter and/or purpose of the artwork*.
Examine the techniques** used by the artist to convey propaganda messages to the viewer.
NOTE:
*Purpose can be religious, political, social and/or artistic reason the artwork is created
**Techniques could include style of work, construction methods, materials used, depiction of important figures, symbolism, creation of aesthetic appeal.
Start every art work on a new page\
Provide an image with a one-page discussion on the art work…no more!
Present your works in a logical chronological order. You may answer using extended paragraphs, bullet points and annotations
Use the A3 template – this can be handed in
Artwork/Building: Prima Porta Augustus
Artist/Architect: Unknown
Date: 20 - 17 BC
Style: Idealised
Materials: Marble
Subject matter/Purpose: First Emperor of Rome
Augustus caesar, purpose is to promote Augustus as the new emperor & great leader of Rome
Techniques to communicate messages: (Annotated Images):
Idealised style- through a system of proportions figure looks perfect, large and dominating from below. Features- high cheekbones, smooth skin, few signs of aging, perfectly parted hair. Made to look more than human.
Posture- Shown in the role of ‘Impreator’- army commander, reminds viewers of his latest military victories. Right hand raised in a rhetoric ‘adlocutio’ pose- addressing his troops.
Symbolism-
Good statesman- carries consular baton
Military leader generals purple ceremonial cloak, military uniform,
Bare feet and weight on one leg to link back to Greek concepts- hero and art.
Dolphin and cupid at ankle to depict his links to the Julian line and the goddess Venus.
Curias tells stories of military victories in the empire and links to various gods.
Intended message/s of the artwork
Augustus is a military leader and power in Rome.
Augustus brings Peace and Prosperity to Rome by returning the Standards lost by others (story told on curious)
Augustus’s deeds are so great they are recognised by the gods (inclusion of Apollo, Venus, Tellus & Diana)
Augustus comes from a strong Roman family line.
Explain how the artwork/s relates to the historical context in which it was created:
The reign of Augustus was known as the Golden age of Peace because prior to him, Rome had been through many years of civil wars and unrest. Now that Augustus has brought peace people can focus on building their families, growing crops and pursuing political careers. We see this through his inclusion of the earth mother tellus and her horn of plenty as well as the references to success battles.
Explain how the artwork/s relates to the historical context in which it was created:
In this time, the majority of the Roman population were illiterate- they could not read or write. People got their information from aurators to memorise and tell new information and stories as well as through artworks. Augustus is able to tell of his military successes, his family lineage, his statesmanship and the prosperity he is bringing to the empire through images rather than words.
Explain how the artwork/s relates to the historical context in which it was created:
This is probably a copy of a bronze sculpture that was later melted down. It was found displayed in the house of Livia at Prima Porta. Having a large statue like this in your home would have served as a symbol of wealth and status for the family who displayed it. As the house was owned by Augustus’s second wife, it was also an obvious symbol of the family's status within the Empire.
POST CLASSICAL 1
Artwork/Building:Hitler
Artist/Architect: K.Stauber
Date: Between 1933-35
Style:It is a propaganda poster,it was most probably a painting but everyone saw the poster. Materials: Poster paper and wheat paste.
Subject matter/Purpose:To push the idea that Hitler was a great and strong leader into the heads of the people of Germany.
Techniques to communicate messages: (Annotated Images):
The clenching of hitler's fist and the position of his boy posture (being the tallest person within the poster) implies the illusion of his strength
He is drawn this way to show the ideal image of a man who people should follow as you can see with the group of men standing behind him, which also represents that they are with him and follow him.
There is a halo shaped ring at the top of the poster that symbolises Hitler's connection to God, as he believed he was doing God's work. He also believed that if he took the Godly approach that people would sway to the Nazi party
The connection that is made between the painting being called ‘long live Germany’ is the banner at the bottom that reads ‘long live Germany’, as there is no tie with the flag that hitler is showing (as it is the nazi symbol)
POST CLASSICAL 2
Artwork/Building: Napoleon
Artist/Architect: Jacques-Louis David
Date: 1801
Style:Authoritative
Materials: oil paints
Subject matter/Purpose: The purpose of the artwork Napoleon Crossing the Alps is an accurate description of the Battle of Marengo. It shows the authority of Napoleon as he leads his army of soldiers through the Alps in an attempt to surprise the Austrian army in Italy in the spring of the 1800s. However, he did not lead them
Techniques to communicate messages: (Annotated Images):
Like many paintings of leaders, Napoleon's right hand points up towards an invisible peak, in a sort of ‘follow
me’ gesture.
The way he is painted on an angle with the horse rearing shows that he is confident to continue leading his troops.
He is dressed in military clothing which portrays him as a leader.
PART B - EVALUATIONS
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THESE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES?
PART B:
Identify aspects of the Roman art or architecture that has influenced the post-classical pieces.
What similarities and differences do you see.
Provide reasons for the similarities and differences you have identified
Hypothesise why we see this influence. Why have certain aspects of Roman art or architecture endured over time?
Ensure you have a clear hypothesis – why has Roman art or architecture influenced later cultures
HYPOTHESIS:
Questions:
To what extent has the classical world influenced later cultures in terms of how propaganda messages are delivered in art?
(Make a statement that answers this question)
-Hypothesise why we see this influence. Why have certain aspects of Roman art or architecture endured over time?
To a large extent, the classical world influenced later cultures in terms of how propaganda messages are delivered in art. Just like the classical artwork of Augustus, the two post classical artworks portray a military man in a similar way, they are shown as strong leaders and that people should follow them. They all use propaganda to gain favour/support over the masses and try to convince them that they are strong leaders that can defeat anything and anyone. However, all three of these propaganda artworks were displayed differently.
KEY EVIDENCE TO BACK UP YOUR HYPOTHESIS
PART C:
Draw a developed conclusion about the influences of Roman art and architecture. Some points to consider:
Analyse how the artist has incorporated aspects of propaganda in ways that suggest Ancient Roman Influence.
Analyse, showing insight, the reasons for the lasting influences of the Roman style of propaganda on later cultures.
What themes and patterns are seen across time in the art or architecture and why.
Support your points with specific primary source evidence.
You must show insight into the reasons why different cultures are influenced by Roman art or architecture.
In conclusion the influences of
The reason for these 3 legendary pieces
Intro- hypothesis sentence, define propaganda, intro ur 3 ARTWORKS
The definition of propaganda is different types of communication whether that is shown in posters, architecture, paintings or sculptures and more, to influence an audience to further their views and there beliefs. The artworks that I have chosen to analyse are Prima Porta Augustus, Hitler and Napoleon.
Paragraph 1- details about ur classical artwork and what was going on in society at that time
In society during those times they all could relate even though they were all in different time periods. Similarities like being Military leaders, as well as all leading tary campaigns, They all have their hands raised in a power stance to reassure there followers and people that they are living in a hierarchy period and that they are in power. They also all used propaganda in the way they lead to seem more powerful in the eyes of their people.
Paragraph 2- similarities between classical, hitler and Napoleon and why
The similarities between Prima Porta Augustus, hitler and Napoleon as I’ve mentioned are that they are Military leaders, They all lead military campaigns, They all have their hands raised in a power stance. Another similarity is that they all use propaganda to seem more powerful in the eyes of their people.
The reason why is because they wanted their followers to believe that
Conclusion
In conclusion you see how Hitler, Prima Porta Augustus, Napoleon and more historical artworks that use propaganda, influence modern society. These artworks are still very popular and are taught to this day to grasp and understand how propaganda works and what the meaning of Propaganda is.
