Thread by @PlumasDeSimurgh

Sasanian royal sculptures had a well-defined type. Curly abundant hair, curly beard, chest pieces and necklaces and, of course, a crown that big that you cannot miss it 👑

🖼️ Bust of a king. Palace II of Kish. 5th cent., The Field Museum

This type of 'sort-of-same' sculpture is not casual. They wanted to transmit a feeling of continuation, stability, and of visual and conceptual legitimacy. Sort to say, the Sasanian kings wanted to portray that 'they' (the concept) would always be in charge.

Especially those considered by historiography as 'minor kings' (because we feel the urgent need to classify rulers by the expanse of their military conquests) linked their official image to a well-established visual prototype. And by doing that, they were legitimising themselves

This is why Art History is a key element to fully understand the circumstances about 'empires'. How propaganda works, how visuals transmit precise messages and contribute to the political agenda, and much more.
Don't be shy - make friends with an Art Historian TODAY!