M5 The Art of Rulers

Learning Goal: I’m working on a history writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

5.1 [Assignments] Stylistic and Cultural Significance Analysis

Instructions

Enlarge Image +George Gower, The Armada Portrait, c. 1588, one of three versions

Enlarge Image + Portrait of the Kangxi Emperor in court dress, by anonymous court artists, late Kangxi period (18th century), hanging scroll, color on silk, The Palace Museum, Beijing

Both the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth and the Kangxi Emperor portrait convey power and authority of the ruler in their distinct and respective ways.

Choose ONE of the above images and conduct an analysis of the painting’s stylistic and cultural significance.

Why is the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth or the Kangxi Emperor portrait culturally significant? What does its subject matter, theme, symbolism, or style tell us about the culture that produced it?

How does each image convey the power and authority of the ruler in their different ways? What do they have in common?

5.2 [Discussion] Power of Architecture

How do the temples and palaces enhance the authority of kings? What stories or messages do these monuments tell about the king’s ambitions? What benefit did the kings derive from separating themselves from ordinary people?