Roman Propaganda Expressed Through Art - 879 Words

Unit 7 Essay Mark Sprowls AP art history The Roman rulers from ancient times are well-known for their ability to coax their people into thinking a certain way through the use of convincing pieces of art. The Roman Empire was very troubled and its emperors are infamous for such things as lavish spending, unnecessary war, and even the killing of family members, and this begs the question: how were there so few large scale revolts of the Roman populous? The answer is the use of propaganda in popular Roman culture. The Roman Empire used propaganda for political purposes by incorporating Roman family values, victorious war scenes, and general Roman successes into their artworks. Adding family values to art that depicted a Roman ruler’s†¦show more content†¦On the Arch of Constantine a plethora of works depicting the triumphs of his predecessors can be seen, which he uses to his advantage, as if he was proposing the idea that he was as great as the other emperors. In fact, he even goes as far to re place the heads of the other emperors on the arch with his own like he was responsible for the many good deeds that they had done. One example of this is a relief where Hadrian is sacrificing an animal to Apollo and then hunting boar, except Hadrian’s face is replaced by Constantine’s. This stealing of works was probably a way to gain favor with the populous for himself as well as the next ruling emperor. All in all these two monuments to their respective patrons were highly effective pieces of propaganda that may have been responsible for a less rebellious empire. To look back upon the propaganda used by the Roman Empire, it seems particularly ingenious that they accomplished such a feat. To keep an empire with that many problems, problems that could undermine even the greatest leaders, relatively stable is astonishing. In conclusion, through propaganda in art that depicted victorious war campaigns, successful emperors and a halcyon family life the Rulers of ancient R ome were able to extend their respective time in power as well as increasing their already greatShow MoreRelatedRollercoaster of Arts and Architecture Brought About by Napolean Bonaparte1083 Words   |  5 PagesRollercoaster of Arts and Architecture Before the 1800’s, Europe went through many trials of major events, both good and bad, that gave people new outlooks on the world and changed many of their lives. In particular, the way art was developed and appreciated changed dramatically in most part because of the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. Soon enough art would become a way for people, (even those without high-level education) to express themselves. 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