Portrait of Emperor Augustus, 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 that symbolizes his divinity: to his birth name, Gaius Octavius, the Senate added the title “Augustus,” meaning “venerable” or “protected by the gods,” a title later adopted by all his successors.

The portrait depicts him with an idealized and youthful face, with the intent 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 idealized 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 presented here is based on a painting by the Flemish painter Cornelis van Haarlem in 1622, now held in the collection of Caputh Castle (https://www.spsg.de/en/palaces-gardens/object/caputh-house), near Potsdam, which served as the summer residence of the Prince-Electors of Brandenburg from the late 16th to the late 17th century. The painting also became famous thanks to the diffusion of the print by Johann Friedrich Leonard (1633–1680), an example 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 ).
Image2. – 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 the Roman emperors, originally commissioned by Prince Maurice of Orange, Stadtholder of the Netherlands, and later acquired by the Great 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 Caesars' collection is kept).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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

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

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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