Cast Iron Bust Of Augustus - 19th Century

A charming and unusual cast iron bust with a black patina on a pedestal, depicting Emperor Augustus, the figure encircled by a laurel wreath tied at the back with a ribbon. Marked on the back with a “D” and numbered 112 in relief. French work, 19th century. Height: 12.2 cm.

(Beautiful patina. Minor restoration to the base, barely visible).

Augustus, born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC and died in 14 AD, was one of the most glorious Emperors of Rome (Princeps). He was the central figure who transformed the Roman Republic into an Empire. His historical importance is immense, as he not only ended the civil wars but also established the political, social, and cultural framework that would allow Rome to prosper for centuries. After the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father, Julius Caesar, in 44 BC... In 31 BC, Octavian claimed his inheritance. He initially allied himself with Mark Antony and Lepidus to form the Second Triumvirate, aiming to restore order and avenge Caesar. After his victory against Brutus, the growing rivalry between him and Mark Antony, allied with Cleopatra, culminated in the naval Battle of Actium in 31 BC, from which Octavian emerged victorious. This victory brought an end to the Republic's civil wars. In 27 BC, Octavian, now renamed Augustus, established a new regime: the Principate. It retained the appearance of republican institutions (Senate, magistracies) but in reality concentrated all power (military, political, religious) under the title of Princeps ("First Citizen"). He effectively became the first emperor of Rome and launched major reforms and gigantic public works throughout the capital and more broadly throughout the entire Empire. He died in 14 AD. He was the founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and the architect of the imperial system.