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The Emperor

Hollar, Wenceslaus, 1794, Engraving
The Emperor
The Emperor
The Emperor
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Category
Library Item
Item no
28465
Title
The Emperor
Description
The emperor administers justice between two men, one kneeling, and one on his right. The throne on which he sits and the sword he holds are both signs of imperial power. The shortened sword, or Cortana, could also be a symbol of mercy. On the floor before the throne are more trappings of status: the orb and sceptre. Beside these is Death's hourglass. Together these objects serve as a reminder that earthly power does not equate to immortality. The depiction of Death reinforces this point; the skeleton looms behind the emperor, ready to snatch his crown when his time is up.
Artist / maker
Date
1794
Size
7.8 x 5.5 cm
Type
Location
Art and Design Library
Rights and purchasing
Option
Price
Digital FileElectronic file 72 dpi JPEG
£5.80(inc. VAT 20%)
Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF
£29.40(inc. VAT 20%)
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