Political Purposes of Art

Equestrian portrait

A portrait of a person on horseback. One of the most common portraits for rulers was that of the equestrian portrait.

Motif

A recurring element in a work of art. A single or repeated design or color. Battle scenes have been a common motif in paintings throughout history

Political power

An influence, usually political, or authority over others. The King used his political powers to rule the small but growing country.

List and explain three reasons why people have used art to bring awareness and/or recognition.

Answers may vary, but should include at least 3 examples: Art can increase their political power and superiority; art can show the world a factual event, whether it be negative or positive; art can convey a message for social change; art can influence social change, either positively or negatively, art can spread an incorrect, but "preferred" history of an event in order to change people's perspective.

Define the following terms and write one sentence for each: - propaganda - motif - political figure

Answers will vary, but must include a definition and a sentence. Propaganda: Something created to deliberately convince or influence people's thoughts, opinions, and/or actions. Sentence Example: The American government commissioned works of art as a form of propaganda during WWII. Motif: A recurring element in a work of art. A single or repeated design or color. Sentence Example: The motif in the blanket design seemed to be that of geometric shapes.

Medium

Material used in a work of art. Painting was the medium used by court artists to depict rulers portraits.

Define the following terms: - medium - political power - portrait

Medium: Material of a work of art. Political power: An influence, usually political, or authority over others. Portrait: A likeness of someone,usually painted for purpose to memorialize the person.

Explain what this painting by Antoine-Jean Gros is depicting and why it is considered an idealistic portrayal of a factual event.

Napoleon decided to quiet the fears of the healthy after the outbreak of the bubonic plague in Europe in 1799, by visiting the sick and dying. He had Gros paint him as a Christ-like figure healing the sick with his touch, but only two months after this event Napoleon ordered the remaining sick to be poisoned. He commissioned this painting and others to further his political career.

Define social protest and political motive. Describe their differing goals.

Social protest is anything that displays disagreement of a cultural practice, norm, or circumstance. Social protest is usually executed by the general population. It is intended to create awareness of an issues or several issues in order to increase support and further change. Political motive is what drives politicians and leaders to instill changes or take positions on subjects in order to further their power. Changes can be for the good of the people or only to further a person or group of persons political power. Its goal is to increase political power, and any other resulting accomplishments are considered a bonus.

List the following information in complete sentences: - artist - title of the artwork - the person/institute who commissioned it and why

The artist was Pablo Picasso. The title of the artwork is Guernica. The artwork was commissioned by the Spanish government to present at the World's Fair.

Examine the painting above. Name the title and artist of this painting. Describe the event the painting portrays and the message it was intended to send.

This painting is called Washington Crossing the Delaware, by Emanuel Leutze. This painting describes the historic event when General George Washington led the American revolutionary troops across the Delaware River to fight in the Battle of Trenton. It was painted to show the bravery and fortitude of the American troops during the Revolutionary War, increase awareness of George Washington's prestige and leadership, and to remind Americans of their success in gaining independence from England.

What event/circumstance was the above artwork intended to show? What other message did its artist intend to convey to the world? Include the artwork's title and its artist in your response.

This painting, entitled Guernica, by Pablo Picasso, is suppose to be an abstract painting of the anguished experienced by those individuals who experienced the Nazi German bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso wanted to convey the horrors of war to the world, and provide a symbol against war and fascism.

Name the above painting and its artist. What was the purpose of equestrian portraits in history?

This portrait is by Diego Velazquez called Philip IV on Horseback. Equestrian portraits became common because it was believed that leaders looked especially powerful atop a large, powerful beast (horse). In addition, equestrian portraits were another way to show a leader's control, prominence, provide focus toward the leader being painted, and helped minimize any unattractive features that might be seen in frontals and profiles.

The above painting is of King Henry VIII. Which artist painted this portrait? List three interesting facts you notice about the painting.

This portrait of King Henry VIII was painted by Hans Holbein the Younger. Answers may vary, but should include at least 3 examples: King Henry VIII is taking up most of the canvas in order to display his power and importance; His expensive and heavy clothes indicate his wealth; the artists exaggerated his proportions in order to show his commanding presence and superiority; his facial expression is serious.