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The Use of Art by Those in Power

Decent Essays

Art has more meaning behind it than just being a picture; it can function in society by symbolizing power. In this essay I am going to discuss in what ways art communicates power and help to manage nations and empires.

The use of art as a tool for those in power started in different times and also in different cultures. An ancient gravesite near Stonehenge revealed the grave of the Amesbury Arche in 2002 his grave was different to those previously found near the site, What made him interesting was the gold hair tresses, which are the oldest cast of gold in Britain, and the fact that he was a from the region that is now Germany. The treasures in his grave show a man of status. Art for personal appearance, like these hair clasps, mad him have a higher status then his peers. This gold, created the image of a leader. So it was learned early on in human history that art as personal appearance enhanced your status.

As time progressed, in other parts of the ancient world art became a political tool; kings competed for more dazzling adornments for their appearances. As kingdoms began to become bigger the kings started to face communication issues and Darius the Great of Persia was one of them, he ruled over 20 nations from Persepolis. As many people from his nation could not read, Darius then had stone reliefs created that combined styles from all over the empire, these carvings showed each nation bring tributes to their king. These cravings showed a sign of respect and these

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