Portrait Of Augustus, First Roman Emperor, Flemish Painter Of The 17th/18th Century

Flemish painter of the 17th/18th century
Portrait of Augustus, first Roman emperor

Oil on canvas

61 x 49 cm
Framed 77.5 x 65 cm

Full details of the painting (click HERE)

The portrait depicts Augustus, founder and first emperor of the Roman Empire, as indicated by the radiate crown symbolising his divinity: his birth name, Gaius Octavius, was in fact given the title “Augustus” by the Senate, meaning “venerable” or “protected by the gods”, a title later adopted by all his successors.

The portrait depicts him with an idealised and youthful face, with the intention of giving him an essence of eternal youth. The facial features, inspired by the sculptures of the time dedicated to him, such as the shape of the chin and nose, combine the realism of republican portraiture with the idealised forms of classical tradition.

Founder of the Roman Empire, he ruled from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD and is considered one of the most influential figures in history, having transformed the Roman Republic into a principality.

The portrait shown here is based on a painting by the Flemish painter Cornelis van Haarlem in 1622, now in the collection of Caputh Castle (https://www.spsg.de/en/palaces-gardens/object/caputh-house), near Potsdam, which was the summer residence of the Electors of Brandenburg from the end of the 16th to the end of the 17th century. The painting also became famous thanks to the dissemination of the print by Johann Friedrich Leonard (1633-1680), a copy of which is now in the “Staatliche Kunstsammlungen” in Dresden.

Imm1. - Cornelis van Haarlem (1562-1638), Portrait of Emperor Augustus, Caputh Castle Collection
Source: Zeri Foundation Catalogue: https://rkd.nl/images/778
Imm2. - Engraving of Emperor Augustus, by Johann Friedrich Leonard (1633-1680), Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
Source: https://skd-online-collection.skd.museum/Details/Index/969560

This painting is part of a series of portraits dedicated to Roman emperors, originally commissioned by Prince Maurice of Orange, Stadtholder of the Netherlands, and then passed into the possession of the Grand Elector in 1680. These works, specifically the first twelve Roman Caesars, were created between 1616 and 1625 by various Dutch and Flemish painters, including Rubens, Hendrick ter Brugghen, Michiel van Mierevelt, and Dirck van Baburen (see image in the details of the room in the Castle where the collection of Caesars is kept).



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

If the work is purchased by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes approximately 10-20 days. Our gallery will take care of the entire process until the permit is obtained. All costs for this procedure are included.

It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda. We would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

Please contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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