I recently visited the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) in Rome. It was hard to find but well worth the effort. This is an altar created during the time of Emperor Augustus. When Augustus
Ara Pacis, 9 BCE. Rome
Ara Pacis frieze, 9 BCE. Rome
returned from battles in Gaul and Iberia the Roman Senate confirmed the commission of an altar in 13 BCE. It was inaugurated in 9 BCE. It was used for sacrifices.
The altar is housed in the Ara Pacis Museum. The museum was designed by architect Richard Meier and opened in 2006. The building, a stark white, echoes the shape of the altar inside. The altar has reliefs covering the structure. On the right and left side are images of people in a procession commemorating the day of the inauguration of the altar, January 30, 9 BCE. The frieze on the right side interested me as I looked closely at the individuals. They appear as a family with children and adults. The man on the left with the child holding on to his clothes is thought to be Agrippa, the child is Gaius Caesar and the woman next to the child is Livia, Augustus’s wife. The man next to Livia is her son Tiberius. So we have family members who will continue ruling even after the death of Augustus.
The museum has a display of other reliefs from the Ara Pacis. Originally the altar was found in pieces and had to be reassembled piece by piece. This is not the original location. There is also museum space for special exhibits. During our visit the artist Salgado, a photographer, had a show entitled Genesis. I love the idea of showing a contemporary artist in the same space as a work art from 9 BCE.
artcurious 