The Representation of the State in the Field of Fine Arts

Abstract

This paper looks for the answer to the question, what are the typical cases of the representation
of the state in the field of fine arts. First, it presents some of the metaphors and allegories
representing the state (e.g. the “ship of the state”, the “leviathan”, etc.), and then it analyzes two
works that provide a complex interpretation of the state. One is the work, titled Vater Staat
(Father State) by the German sculptore, Thomas Schütte, the other is the three diptychs by the
English painter and collage artis, Richard Hamilton that represent the state in a specific
historical context. The study discusses in detail the works of art that represent the legitimation
and delegitimization of a state order, and finally those international and Hungarian works of art
that represent certain forms of state (Staatsformen) or show good and bad governments.