The Political Portrait: Leadership, Image and Power

The leader's portrait, produced in various media, is a key instrument of propaganda in totalitarian regimes and increasingly dominates political communication in democratic countries. This volume explores the last hundred years, covering a wide range of countries, and discusses the uses of portraiture by antagonistic groups or movements as forms of resistance, derision, denunciation, and demonization. It will be of interest to researchers in visual studies, art history, media studies, cultural studies, politics, and contemporary history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The leader's portrait, produced in a variety of media (statues, coins, billboards, posters, stamps), is a powerful tool of propaganda in totalitarian regimes, but it is also increasingly prevalent in political communication in democratic countries due to the personalization and spectacularization of campaigning. Written by an international group of contributors, this comprehensive volume spans the past century, covering a wide range of countries across the globe, and examining both dictatorial regimes and democratic systems. In addition to exploring the effigies created by ruling powers for propaganda purposes, it also delves into the uses of portraiture by opposing groups or movements as forms of resistance, derision, denunciation, and demonization. This volume will appeal to scholars and researchers in visual studies, art history, media studies, cultural studies, politics, and contemporary history.

Introduction:
The leader's portrait, a ubiquitous symbol of power and authority, has played a significant role in political communication throughout history. In totalitarian regimes, where the state controls all aspects of society, the portrait of the leader is used as a tool to propagate the regime's ideology and control the masses. However, the portrait is also increasingly prevalent in democratic countries, where political communication is more open and diverse.

The Role of Portraiture in Totalitarian Regimes:
In totalitarian regimes, the portrait of the leader is used to create a sense of unity and loyalty among the people. The leader is often depicted as a heroic figure, who is responsible for the country's success and well-being. The portrait is displayed in public places, such as government buildings, schools, and military installations, to reinforce the regime's authority and control.

The Personalization and Spectacularization of Campaigning:
In recent years, the personalization and spectacularization of campaigning have become increasingly prevalent in democratic countries. Political candidates are now more likely to use their portraits to appeal to voters on a personal level, creating a sense of connection and familiarity. This has led to the development of new forms of portraiture, such as selfies and social media profiles, which are used to promote candidates and their campaigns.

The Uses of Portraiture by Antagonistic Groups or Movements:
While the portrait of the leader is often used to promote the regime's ideology, it can also be used by antagonistic groups or movements as a form of resistance, derision, denunciation, and demonization. Opposing groups or movements may use portraits of leaders to criticize their policies or actions, or to undermine their legitimacy. For example, during the Arab Spring uprisings, protesters used portraits of authoritarian leaders to criticize their policies and demand political change.

Conclusion:
The leader's portrait is a powerful tool of propaganda in totalitarian regimes and is increasingly prevalent in democratic countries due to the personalization and spectacularization of campaigning. While the portrait can be used to promote the regime's ideology and control the masses, it can also be used by opposing groups or movements as a form of resistance, derision, denunciation, and demonization. As political communication continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the portrait continues to shape and influence public opinion.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367507480