Kingship and Power
Art that shows the authority and strength of rulers.
What is it?
Kingship and power is a theme in art where artists show the ruler as strong, wise, and divine. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were shown as gods on earth. They were depicted with symbols of power like crowns, scepters, and the sphinx. The pharaoh statue you saw is a perfect example: the pharaoh's calm face and formal pose show his authority. This theme appears in many cultures, from Egyptian pharaohs to European kings.
Why it matters
Art about kingship helps us understand how rulers wanted to be seen. It also shows the values of a society—what they admired in a leader.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more artworks about kingship.
