Today (1/8/09) we met at the Portone to walk to the Augustus Altar of Peace. The weather has been terrible these first couple of days raining on every walk we've been on. Fortunately, we are a rather savvy group and this time knew to come prepared with umbrellas (which we bought from men who appear out of no where--the instant it starts to rain-- with 10s of umbrellas on their arms; very eager to make a sale. Fortunately, they are not exactly skilled when it comes to bartering and their original ask price of 5 Euros is usually bartered down to around 2 Euros, which is fair because they are one time only quality umbrellas) and warm jackets with hoods.
It was a fairly long walk to the Augustus Alter of Peace, probably 15-20 minutes, but we used the time well- snapping photos of ourselves dancing in the rain with our colorful umbrellas. The streets are absolutely beautiful here with so much intricacy and attention to detail in every building. We finally reached the Museum where the Alter is displayed. We were given quaint and very practical bags to keep our umbrellas in, so as not to ruin the marble flooring. The building hosting the Alter is quite modern and was apparently controversial because the architect who built it was American and selected over an Italian architect. Brian took us on a tour of the museum beginning with the life of Caesar and eventually into an in depth discussion of the Alter.
Augustus' Alter of Peace is one of the most amazing art pieces I have seen thus far in Rome. It is a huge monument with incredible detailing. I thought the most fascinating part was the use of depth and the attention to detail. We had a long class discussion on the panels on the sides of the Alter. The most important (in my opinion) was the panel on the back of the alter portraying an ample woman with two children, surrounded by sea, animals, and female saints on either side of her. This panel was very different from the panels on the front of the alter representing masculinity, strength, and chivalry. Instead, it was very feminine and matronly representing Mother Earth and all she provides for Rome. It was an extremely interesting piece with much to interpret. After a little more discussion and a class quiz, we were all dismissed to do as we pleased for the rest of the day, which for many I assume meant taking a nap and then dining at one of the many fine Italian restaurants in the Campo de Fiori.
