Art has always been used as means to display and maintain power. Portraits of powerful figures was sought to reinforce authority of the depicted, and was also commonly used as valuable gifts. Paintings by famous artists also played a significant role in diplomatic affairs. 

The art collections of influential people eventually became the foundations of today’s well-known museums. Art & Power: From Pharaohs to Daimyōs will feature some 60 artworks from Egypt, India, China, Japan and European countries. Through these, it will examine the original function of the artworks as well as the retrospective analysis of the historical art’s relationship with power.