1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Emperor is a 1651 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a busy scene with a mix of people and symbols. In the center, a crowned figure kneels beside a skeleton holding a crown. Around them, other figures—some richly dressed, others in rags—react with different emotions. Skulls, hourglasses, and broken tools fill the background, while two smaller figures stand on the sides, looking serious. The Latin text below ties the scene to ideas of death and power. The artist packed a lot of meaning into small, sharp lines, making it feel crowded but precise. Next, look up etching to see how this technique works.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
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