Blog on Juno Ludovisi

After reading Susan Wood’s piece on Bryn Mawr’s Juno Ludovisi, I believe that the statue represents Livia, the wife of Augustus. Livia was not solely the wife of Augustus, she held relations with other prominent figures such as Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Her granddaughter herself made her into a goddess, which is why I believe that Livia the goddess is who is portrayed in the statue that now sits outside of Carpenter 25. Livia’s actions as a human gave her the title and position of a goddess. She used her wealth to help others, providing for families with children and assisting with dowries. Her assistance with children was significant, as unwanted babies suffered and were led to death. Rather than watching them die, she ensured that the families had the proper funds to support their children. Additionally, she restored and founded the construction of buildings to support her community. 

All of her efforts led to the greater good, a sense of community, and a focus on family. Livia was so influential that her community worshipped her as a goddess before she was deified. All together, this shows how the statue is likely of her but rather as a goddess. Her community wanted to honor her and her contributions by portraying her as highly as they could. While some believe that Livia poisoned people, it is historic that women could not be portrayed as highly as Livia deserved. The historian Tacitus was focused on the image of male emperors instead of bringing Livia to light. Historically, women have been degraded and warped to make men look better, despite the blatant sexism and disparities between men and women.