Question

Name two rulers and discuss how they use the power of art to persuade and to validate their authority.

Answer 1

The two rulers who used the power of art to persuade and to validate their authority are Darius I and Napoleon. Darius, I was the third king of the Achaemenid Empire; he ruled from 522-486 BCE. During his reign, he built the Apadana which means hypostyle hall i.e. it was a stone building with a roof supported by columns. It had seventy-two columns thirteen still stand each sixty-two feet tall in a grand hall that was200 x 200 feet, or 4,000 square feet (Sachant. It was a brightly colored building. The whole construction use to draw the attention of people. It amazed some people and intimidated others.

Napolean had realized the potential of great works of art for instilling in hearts and minds the validity and might of the Empire and his authority to lead. He used the imagery for not only; 'high art' but for application; on coins, letterhead, various publications, and prints.