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The Old King on His Throne

Unknown

1520

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

Dominant colour

The Old King on His Throne is a 1520 by Unknown, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1520 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows a busy scene with a king on a throne at the center, surrounded by a crowd of men in armor and robes. Some are holding weapons or documents, while others gesture toward the throne. Above, a smaller circle shows a religious figure with angels. The background has arches and columns, and tiny figures peek from windows. The king’s crown and scepter mark his power, while the crowd’s mix of serious and curious faces suggests a big decision. The artist used deep shadows and bold lines to create drama. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works.