Final answer:
Equestrian portraits in history served to honor achievements, showcase power, authority, and communicate status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Equestrian portraits in history served several purposes. In ancient Rome, equestrian statues of emperors were used to honor their military and civic achievements. These statues were widely distributed through different media, including coins, to further propagate their image. In later periods, equestrian portraits were used to showcase power, authority, and symbolism, as seen in Napoleon Crossing the Alps. These portraits allowed emperors and leaders to communicate their status and reach out to their subjects.