Art has always been closely related to power and served as one of its tools. Being a potent method to emphasize specific ideas, reflect values, or attract people’s attention to a particular issue, it could not be disregarded by rules or dominant authorities. For this reason, the history of art is full of works created under the influence of a particular ideology and serving as its reflection. For instance, the funerary mask of Tutankhamun, the Palace of Aachen, and the painting Napoleon Enthroned in Majesty have their unique messages and can be viewed as tools helping to communicate ideological power and make common people believe particular ideas.
The funerary mask of Tutankhamun is one of the most ancient examples of how art was used to represent the dominant ideology. The rule of God’s kings was characterized by Pharaohs’ unlimited power and their divine nature. The idea of God living in the mortal body was critical for the religion of that period, and it was necessary to make the population accept it. For this reason, art focused on creating works containing a strong ideological message.
Most images depicted the power of Pharaoh and his victories. The Great Pyramids were constructed as the place for his mortal body, while the funerary mask decorated with gold and made with outstanding accuracy had to cover his face to make it God-like. All these factors helped to support the dominant ideology of that period.
The Place of Aachen is another unique object of art with outstanding ideological importance. Charlemagne ruled the big state with numerous populations and noble people. It means he demanded the center of power of his new empire showing all individuals his rule to govern and his chosen character. For this reason, a group of that buildings had a unique political, cultural, religious, and ideological importance.
The decision to build the palace was accepted the same year when Charlemagne became the emperor, meaning that the central message was to impress people and show the power of the ruler’s figure, the importance of the state, and the necessity to accept his dominance. In such a way, this example of medieval art also served specific ideological purposes.
Finally, the image of Napoleon I on his Imperial Throne is an element of art belonging to the later epoch. However, its ideological power is also evident as it was created to represent the might of Napoleon. The emperor acquired the right to rule because of his conquest, meaning that he was different from other kings who emphasized the fact that there were chosen by God. For this reason, Napoleon needed to create a cult and ideology accepting his power. The image is made following some traditional styles, including iconography and the ways ancient saint rulers were depicted. It was created to demonstrate the emperor’s belonging to the cohort of rulers blessed by God and convey a strong ideological message.
Altogether, the examples mentioned above show that art has always been used as a potent ideological tool. Following the dominant doctrine, artists and architects create outstanding forms and shape essential for conveying a particular message and making people believe in certain concepts. It is achieved by using giant forms, decorations, exquisite shapes, or appealing to traditional ideas and making parallels with divine creatures. All these aspects help to support a certain idea and make people believe it.