The Face of Power and the Calm of Eternity
A young man stands on the marble-sheen terrace of his villa in Rome. The morning sun brushes the columns as he casts his gaze over the city he has led to full bloom. His face holds both resolve and gentleness, the features of a ruler who pacified the world and renewed the empire. Even millennia later, those ideals that shaped his era are mirrored in fine stone: strength, order, and divine dignity. A work of art that not only commemorates, but makes history tangible to this day.
Augustus Bust
The Face of a New Era
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Replica of the famous original from Villa Livia near Prima Porta
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High-quality alabaster cast with polished marble base
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Ideal size for display cases, desks, or exhibitions – height approx. 13.5 cm
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Exclusive reproduction made in Germany
From Caesar’s Heir to Father of the Empire
When Gaius Octavius was born in 63 BC, no one suspected that this boy would become the first Roman emperor. After the assassination of his uncle Gaius Julius Caesar, he assumed his legacy and led Rome into a new era: the Principate. Under the honorific name Augustus, the “Exalted,” he transformed the crumbling Republic into a stably governed empire that experienced over two centuries of peace: the famous Pax Romana.
The Prima Porta bust is considered one of the most famous portraits of this ruler. It was discovered in the villa of his wife Livia and shows the emperor with calm authority—idealized, yet unmistakably real. The expression, the fine workmanship of the stone, and the cultic posture reflect the ancient understanding of power and divine order.
Fun fact: The original once stood brightly painted in a splendid courtyard. Research shows that Roman marble sculptures were often colorful—a detail that still surprises many today!
A Piece of Rome for Mind and Space
Those who contemplate the Augustus bust immediately feel the spirit of antiquity. Clear, dignified, timelessly beautiful. In museum presentations or in history classes, it becomes a vivid mediator of an entire epoch. Educators use it to bring life in the early Empire to life; learners recognize in it the face of that age in which citizens became subjects and a man became a myth.
Beyond the classroom, the figure unfolds its impact. On a desk, in a bookcase, or in the foyer of a museum, it lends any space a special atmosphere—elevated, cultivated, and calming. It invites reflection on power, change, and humanity—themes that have lost none of their relevance today.
A Word of Wisdom from Antiquity
"Festina lente." – Augustus, according to Suetonius, De vita Caesarum
"Make haste slowly."
Our interpretation:
This brief motto sums up Augustus’ way of governing: patience and determination in balance. A call to act with prudence—in politics, art, and everyday life.
Questions from the Atrium of History
Was the original Augustus bust really found at Prima Porta?
Yes. The famous prototype comes from Villa Livia north of Rome and was discovered in 1863. Today it is housed in the Vatican Museums and ranks among the best-known depictions of the first Roman emperor.
What material is this replica made of?
The bust is crafted from fine alabaster cast and stands on a polished marble base. This gives it an authentic, slightly translucent surface—similar to ancient marble.
What is the Augustus bust particularly suitable for?
Ideal for museums, schools, exhibitions, and history-loving collectors. As an elegant decorative object in the home or office, it also lends any setting a touch of ancient dignity.
"As a lover of Roman history, this bust impresses me every time. The fine facial features and the calm dignity of Augustus bring antiquity straight into my study. Almost as if you were standing in Villa Livia yourself."
– Marcus L., history enthusiast and collector
Forum Traiani ® | We make history tangible!
