prop·a·gan·da [prop-uh-gan-duh] noun information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group,movement, institution, nation, etc. - "We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth, at least the truth that is given to us to understand. " Pablo Picasso - I believe that art is the most powerful and influential form of propaganda.
The Surrender of Marsal, The Gobelins Manufactory, 1669 - 1675, From the collection of: Fundación Banco Santander
"The series was conceived as a propaganda instrument in order to disseminate the grandeur of the French monarch."
The arrogance of the oppressor is clearly depicted in the painting, therefore serving as propaganda for the oppressed in general. This proved to be very effective since the image was able to present it's message to a wider and more varied audience. The illiterate and foreign populations specifically. People who were not able to read about the atrocities of the monarch were able to understand and (I assume) sympathize with the details of the art piece
Bonaparte Crossing the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass, Jacques Louis David, 19th century, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This one of the most, if not the most famous painting of Napoleon. This is believed to be a propaganda masterpiece.
"If all the kings of the earth could view such a spectacle, they would be less keen on wars and conquest", the emperor is said to have declared.The painting portrays the terrible battle which resulted in more than 50,000 French and Russian victims. It is aimed to depict the cruelty of reality.
Munka / Dokumentum, Lajos Kassák, 1928 k, From the collection of: Petőfi Literary Museum
Here we see a new approach in terms of art tackling propaganda. The then avant garde collage. This is the cover of a magazine. "Munka" meaning "Work."
"The demands of intelligibility and visibility and the adaptation of new communication media were basic criteria in Kassák’s program of building workers’ culture. As an articulation of this approach the convincing and easily understandable collage played a significant role."
Political Piñata, Leopoldo Méndez, 1935, From the collection of: Museo Nacional de Arte
It is Dawn in Spain / Civil War Poster, 124, Unknown. Signed by, 1935, From the collection of: Museo Reina Sofia
Carlist Soldier Playing the Bugle / Civil War Poster, 56, Unknown. Signed by, 1936 - 1937, From the collection of: Museo Reina Sofia
War, Go?ndo?r, Bertalan, 1937, From the collection of: Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History
Art constantly proved that it was the best way to effectively promote propaganda. Images present a clearer message rather than words. Words are capable of explaining situations, ideas and opinions yet fail to iadd detail and references to the message. Different cultures give varying meanings to certain words and phrases; an image or artwork is able to clarify the message conveyed by the words.
Franco's Spain has Arrived / Civil War Poster, 58, Unknown. Signed by, 1939, From the collection of: Museo Reina Sofia
Portable Cinema, Chua Mia Tee, 1977, From the collection of: National Heritage Board, Singapore
Series: The Birth of Olympism, Jordi Alumà I Masvidal, 1988, From the collection of: The Olympic Museum
Art is used for good propaganda as well. This painting promotes Olympism in it's entirety.
Telah Terbit, F X Harsono, 2006, From the collection of: National Heritage Board, Singapore
Art is still abundantly used as propaganda up to this day even the illiteracy rate has gone down significantly. That is because when people see an artwork or a photograph or an image, they allow themselves to attach a story line to the visual representation bringing personal feelings and contemporary influences to the image. By associating the picture with a part of their life, the viewer more readily accepts the propagandist's message.
The future Demands Your Participation, Mark Titchner, 2006, From the collection of: British Council
In a world where the media so often tries to dictate it's societies thinking, it is always refreshing for people to find their own beliefs and ideas. What better way to find this than through art.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
