The art of Persuasion documentary.

Visual persuasion: strong pictures but caring
Visual techniques used , started a long time ago.

- gold powerful
- power of art - Egypt, British

Iran :
Stone reliefs , first visual persuasion used by Darius
The reliefs are international, understood by everyone.

The first billboard - stone relief
Very detailed. Showing happiness not war
Symbols used : bow (leadership, balance)

Darius with bow : first political logo !

Later : Alexander the great
He wanted an image to win people's trust.
He came up with an ivory sculpture depicting his portrait.
The first life-like representation and not an illustration like Darius.
- political portrait the first idea to photography or depicting reality !

Roman political mosaic - poster
This depicts Alexander the great  vs the Persian  king.

Alexander is the hero winning the battle, confident look, strong.
The Persian king is scared and loosing . Weak look

Logo vs face

A survey has been made and between 2 political parties using a logo and the other one the leader's face.. The face wins the election therefore people likes to see the real thing. Photos are much more effective  than logos or illustrations. 40% and 60%

The other step that Alexander took is giving everyone something that reminds them of him everyday ..
Money - coins with Alexander's face
This reminds the people  of who is in charge, it is seen by everyone therefore more effective.

The face on money continues to be used till this very day.k

War campaigns- I Want You posters with the face !

Persuasion turned into propaganda and deception in the roman age.

Rome was divided: old and traditional vs modern and trendy people

Augustus Rome leader who wanted Rome to join forces and stop being divided.

He chose a humble look though with a powerful image of Authority.
His sculpture was full body one, with no weapons, bear foot, no gold, humble gestures.

But powerful !! Every god would approve
He wanted to unify Rome with the power if Art.

But all this was built on a lie . He deceived his people!
He was corrupt, not loyal. He started dictatorship wich run for 400 years.
He was the first to use images in order to manipulate people. A technique still used nowadays.

It has been used by other leaders like Hitler. Its a technique that caused a lot of trouble in the world.
Hitler also managed to persuade people that there are people wich are less human !

We will always remain and believe because of the persuasive power of Art !

Directed by Martin Wilson BBC