Open full image Pin

Satire in Relation to Charles I and His "Eikwn Basilika"(Image of a Ruler)

Unknown 19th Century

1850

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Satire in Relation to Charles I and His "Eikwn Basilika"(Image of a Ruler) is a 1850 ink by Unknown 19th Century, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown 19th Century
When & what style?: 1850 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a king sitting on a throne, holding an open book with a crown on his head. Around him, two figures stand—one holding a scroll labeled "Eikwn Basilika," while the other leans in, pointing at the book. The scene looks crowded, with heavy curtains framing the left side. The text below mocks kings who write, calling them both "Doctor and King." The artist uses sharp lines and dark shading to make the scene feel tense. Want to see how this style works? Check out engraving.