The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus (Thomas Spencer Jerome Lectures) by Paul Zanker (PDF)

Description

“Art and architecture are mirrors of a society. They reflect the state of its values, especially in times of crisis or transition.” Upon this premise Paul Zanker builds an interpretation of Augustan art as a visual language that both expressed and furthered the transformation of Roman society during the rule of Augustus Caesar. The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus illustrates how the establishment of monarchy under Augustus Caesar led to the creation of a new system of visual imagery that reflects the consciousness of this transitional age.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Outstanding!

⭐When Mary Beard recently reviewed, in the TLS, the book/ catalog for the recent exposition in Rome commemorating 2000 years of the death of Caesar Augustus she again praised Dr. Zanker’s book based on the Jerome Lectures of 1983 & 1984. Dr. Zanker’s book is considered the best exposition of the changes in public and private art which coincided with the creation of the Empire and of the role which Octavius Caesar played both in promoting the change and being the beneficiary of the change. For me the most fascinating parts where the conscious selection Octavius Caesar & his supporters made of different elements of Greek & Roman art to convey the message they wanted promulgated and the rapid spread of the resulting ” Augustan” style throughout the Mediterranean, a style which had and continues to have profound influences on public art & architecture throughout the world. This is art history at its best.

⭐I was simply amazed by this. It was recommenddd by a Berkeley classics Prof as a sympathetic treatment of Augustus’ neoclassism. And that it is in spades. It goes into maticulus detail on how Augustus reflects the new peace and prosperity in a revived idealizing Athenian Classism. The iconography consistently uses images of fertility, domestic peace, and Augustus’ benign rule after decades of brutal civil war. It also shows how the images, including that of Augustus, varied around the empire depending on local conditions. And what’s most outstanding is Zanker’s ability to show the deep, universal appeal of Classism. A better defense of Athenian Classism simply can’t be found today. And the Berkeley Prof confirmed this.

⭐”The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus” provides, first, a review of Roman history during the transition from Republic to Empire, a matter full of tangled details, and, second, a reminder that we in our own day have exactly the same need as the ancient Romans, a story of national creation by which to identify as Americans.

⭐good

⭐okay

⭐supposed to be hardback

⭐This book is an excellent example of how art critique can be used to analyze politics and history. Paul Zanker does an exceptionally thorough job as he systematically works his way through the end of the Republic to the heights of Augustan Rome. The book includes tons of photographs, coins, maps and reproductions to illustrate appropriate points in the text. The thesis of the book is to show how art was used to convey the importance and dignity of the new Imperial system. Despite the breadth of material presented here, the text is smooth and understandable.There really isn’t enough space in a review to adequately cover this book. Zanker’s main thrust is to show how Augustus rebuilt and remodeled Rome with himself at the center. The styles that Augustus used were quickly picked up and duplicated by the Roman upper classes, as well as those in the provinces. My favorite section of the book concerns the coinage. Augustus minted coins closely linking himself to Julius Caesar in order to establish himself as the heir apparent (which he was) to Caesar. Coins were also used to commemorate Augustus’s triumph at Actium over Antony, and also to promote Augustus’s conservative legislation concerning marriage and childbirth. Although Augustus slowly consolidated power under the title of princeps, he took great pains to show Rome that he was bringing about peace, prosperity and honor, all things that had been missing during the civil wars. Is Augustan art propaganda? It could certainly be interpreted that way, even though there was no “Ministry of Information” in Rome.An excellent book, although there are a few problems. One of them is the tendency of art critique to see things that others may not. Zanker’s descriptions of statues of Augustus are a good example. While I can agree with his depictions of the later Augustan busts as showing a calm, sort of omniscient demeanor, I have a tough time agreeing with his assessment of an earlier bust of Augustus as nervous and power hungry. This is a small problem with an otherwise great book that will make you think about Rome in a different way.

⭐My son bought this for his University course on Augustus and has given it a thumbs up. He has enjoyed reading the book immensely.

⭐Loved the book. Very interesting and informative.

⭐Zanker is big in this field and his books are superb.

⭐Zanker’s interpretation has a rare boldness and brilliance. The copious black-and-white photographic illustrations allow the reader to follow his insightful explanation and analysis with ease.

⭐wonderful book

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