Equestrian Portrait of Charlemagne, bronze (9 century) [Location: Louvre, Paris] When art is from two different time period and two different cultures it is thought that the two pieces when compared would not have much in common. However, that is hardly ever the case; they can have similaries in meanings and cultural significance. With the help of the readings from “Icon” and “Art Through the Ages”, along with the textbook, it was amazing to see all the alike components that were found between “Senufo Equestrian” and “Equestrian Portrait of Charlemagne”. Even though, they come from a world of differences, the two pieces aren’t so different after all. The two …show more content…
For example, for their cultural significance, they both are for a higher status. “Senufo Equestrian” was found among priests(125-126), and “Equestrian Portrait of Charlemagne” was for the ruler to show world domination as he has a sphere in his hand. (416)It does not seem that meaning behind these two great works have similarities because the art of the left was meant as on offering to the bush spirits (125-126), and the art on the right was used to show the power a great ruler had. However, both animals are horses in the art works which were considered to be strong, fast, aggressive leaders in both instances. I feel as if that the two figures are also on horse because the characteristics of the horse can also describe the people that are on it. Also, both works of art have their subject being male, I believe the figure of the left is male because women were not of high status or importance at that time.(433) Both sculptures have item in their hand which mean could be seen as messages. For example, as explained prior the figure on the right is holding a sphere which is a symbol for total domination and the figure on the left is holding a vase that is to contain water; water was the symbol for life and often used as an offering to the gods.(433) The figures holding these symbols shows that they are high status and hold importance. This is because spiritual and royal leaders would give offerings to the gods because they felt closes to them and wanted good luck to their kingdom, also in reference to the right, only powerful kings or leaders would show world