Final answer:
Portraits of the mighty, such as emperors, were meant to establish their power and glorify them. These portraits shaped their public image and symbolized their authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portraits of the mighty, such as emperors, were not only meant to establish their power but also to glorify them. In ancient Rome, official portraits of emperors were a way to reach out to their subjects and shape their public image. These portraits were designed to evoke the emperor's role as a commander-in-chief, magistrate, priest, and even a divine figure. Similarly, in other historical contexts like the Soviet Union, portraits of leaders like Lenin and Stalin served to legitimize their power and symbolize their authority.