The Augustus Primaporta stands out due to its youthful look but also with the tiny Eros, or Cupid, hanging from the side. Cupid is the son of Venus, the Goddess of Love, who is also the mother of Aeneas, whose decedents would later help build the foundation of Rome, according to the Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. From the Aeneid, the connection between the family of Juli is made to Julius Caesar as a descendent from Aeneas and would later adopt Octavian (Augustus).

There are two important religious iconography shown: Cupid by Augustus and Augustus barefoot. Usually only Gods are depicted barefoot, without protection on their feet. This showcases Augustus divine presentation along with the Cupid on his side. Here, the Cupid also represents his ancestral connection to the Gods, increasing Augustus illustration as being divine.