Artwork Page for The Emperor (from the Tarocchi, series E: Conditions of Man, #9)

Details / Information for The Emperor (from the Tarocchi, series E: Conditions of Man, #9)

The Emperor (from the Tarocchi, series E: Conditions of Man, #9)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)
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Culture
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century
Medium
engraving hand-colored with gold
Credit Line
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.432.9
Catalogue raisonné
Hind E.I.9a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This engraving is part of the Tarocchi group marked with the letter “E,” and named Conditions of Man. This series outlines the social and hierarchical order of ten characters (Beggar, Servant, Artisan, Merchant, Gentleman, Knight, Doge King, Emperor, and Pope), starting from the lower grade and ending with the most important one.

Here, Imperator (The Emperor) is shown as a full-length crowned male figure, turned to the left. The ruler is seated crossed-legged on his throne. He holds a globe in his right hand, while an eagle rests at his feet.
A vertically oriented engraving with gold highlights depicts an enthroned, bearded man with light skin tone. Facing our left, he wears a crown and pleated tunic while bracing a gold orb in his lap. Behind him, curtains hang within a decorative, patterned border. An eagle stands near his feet on a platform. The Latin text "IMPERATOR VIIII" is inscribed at the bottom. Light brown stains discolor the aged paper.

The Emperor (from the Tarocchi, series E: Conditions of Man, #9)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)
Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

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