Penning met portret van keizer Albertus 1617

This is an engraving of a broadside, likely from the 17th century, featuring a portrait of Emperor Albertus with a second coin depicting a scorpion. The monochrome impression gives a formal, graphic quality to the figures. The strong contrast of light and shadow carves out the volumes of the Emperor's face. Here, the composition is split. The left coin displays the Emperor Albertus, rendered with fine lines to show details of his royal attire, and the right coin features a scorpion. This emblematic division could be interpreted through the lens of semiotics, the scorpion signifying a threat or challenge to Albertus' rule. This challenges the traditional heroic representation of leaders. Ultimately, the starkness of the black ink on the white paper emphasizes the dual nature of power and vulnerability, suggesting that even an emperor is subject to forces beyond his control. The lack of color directs our focus to the symbolic structure, prompting questions about power, destiny, and the narratives constructed around leadership.