<![CDATA[Abstrak Patung Kuda Sultan Agung karya Yusman di Bantul adalah monument publik ikonik. Namun, analisis yang mengintegrasikan nilai artistik dan fungsi sosiologisnya secara komprehensif masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi dua aspek penting dari Patung Kuda Sultan Agung yang diciptakan oleh seniman Yusman di wilayah Imogiri yaitu perspektif seni visual dan latar belakang sosiokultural. Dalam praktik apresiasi seni monumental, pengamatan sering kali terhenti pada keindahan formal tanpa menggali lebih dalam tentang ideologi dan pesan yang tertanam di dalamnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjabarkan unsur-unsur plastis dan metodologi penciptaan yang membentuk pengalaman estetis karya monumental, sekaligus menganalisis peran sosial desain tersebut dalam memproyeksikan wujudnya. Metodologi penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan analisis deskriptif-interpretatif menggunakan pendekatan semiotika. Pengumpulan data dilaksanakan melalui kajian visual intensif di lapangan, penelusuran literatur mengenai sejarah dan tradisi seni, serta dialog mendalam bersama kreator. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) Secara visual (ikonik), nilai artistik terbentuk dari orkestrasi komposisi formasi 'V', ritme gerak dinamis (captured motion), serta detail realistik teknik cor fiberglass; (2) Secara indeksikal, gestur patung menunjukkan hubungan sebab-akibat antara kepemimpinan militer dan kepatuhan; (3) Secara simbolik dan sosiologis, estetika tersebut berfungsi sebagai instrumen legitimasi kekuasaan "Wahyu Keprabon" dan penguat identitas budaya Mataram di ruang publik. Posisi patung di gerbang kawasan "Pajimatan" meneguhkan narasi sejarah sekaligus berfungsi sebagai landmark formal tata ruang kota. ABSTRACT The Sultan Agung Horse Statue created by Yusman in Bantul is an iconic public monument, yet comprehensive studies that integrate both its artistic value and sociological functions remain limited. This This study is designed to explore two significant dimensions of the Sultan Agung Horse Monument created by artist Yusman in the Imogiri region namely the perspective of visual art and sociocultural background. In the practice of monumental art appreciation, observation often halts at formal beauty without delving deeper into the ideology and messages embedded within it. This research aims to elucidate the plastic elements and creative methodologies that shape the aesthetic experience of the sculpture, while simultaneously analyzing the social role of the design in projecting manifestations of authority and power. The research methodology employs a qualitative approach with descriptive-interpretative analysis and a Semiotic framework to identify meanings contained within visual symbols. Data collection was conducted through intensive visual examination in the field, investigation of literature concerning art history and traditions, and in-depth dialogue with the creator. The findings demonstrate that: (1) On the visual (iconic) level, artistic value emerges from the orchestration of 'V' formation composition, dynamic rhythm of movement (captured motion), and realistic detail of fiberglass casting technique; (2) On the indexical level, the statue's gesture reveals a causal relationship between military leadership and obedience; (3) On the symbolic and sociological level, this aesthetic functions as an instrument legitimating "Wahyu Keprabon" power and reinforcing Mataram cultural identity in public space. The monument's positioning at the gateway of the "Pajimatan" area reinforces historical narrative while serving as a formal landmark in urban spatial organization.]]>
