Artwork
Emperor
Emperor is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1651, this copperplate etching by Wenceslaus Hollar presents a densely populated tableau centered on a kneeling, crowned figure beside a skeletal hand that also bears a crown. The composition is enclosed by a decorative border that depicts the classical deities Minerva and Hercules, linking the central scene to allegorical themes of wisdom and strength.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif juxtaposes regal authority with mortality: the emperor‑like figure is humbled before a skull clutching a crown, while surrounding onlookers, some opulently dressed, others in tatters, react with a range of emotions. Memento mori symbols such as skulls, hourglasses and broken tools reinforce the transient nature of power, a message underscored by the Latin inscription below.
Technique & Style
Hollar employed the fine line work characteristic of eighteenth‑century etching, achieving intricate detail through a network of sharp, intersecting strokes. The crowded arrangement is rendered with precise delineation, allowing each figure and emblem to retain individuality despite the overall density of the composition.
History & Provenance
Born in Bohemia and later settled in England, Hollar produced the print during his most prolific period in London. The work bears the catalog reference Pennington 233B. After Hollar’s death in 1677, he was interred in London, and the etching entered various collections as a representative example of his English printmaking output.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
