Keizer Augustus c. 1782 - 1784

This is a small plaster relief of Emperor Augustus, made by the Loosdrecht porcelain factory in the Netherlands. The choice of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, is not accidental. His image carried powerful cultural and historical associations that resonated well beyond the classical world. Augustus ushered in an era of peace and prosperity. His reign was a model for monarchs and leaders throughout European history. But it wasn't just about political authority. Augustus was also a patron of the arts. This relief thus reflects the cultural aspirations of the Netherlands and suggests an appreciation for the kind of leadership that brings peace, prosperity, and artistic flourishment. To understand this work better, we need to consult the historical record, looking at political, economic, and cultural factors in the Netherlands at the time. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.