The Last King 1902

"The Last King" (1902) by Austrian artist Alfred Kubin (1877-1959) is a powerful and evocative illustration depicting a solitary king seated upon a throne, his skeletal form and hollow eyes hinting at his decline. The figure appears distant and detached, seemingly unaware of the throng of cloaked figures at his feet, suggesting a sense of isolation and alienation. The haunting atmosphere, marked by the smoky torch and ethereal background, underscores the theme of decay and the impending demise of a once-powerful reign. This work is a masterful example of Kubin's signature style, known for its macabre and symbolic imagery, which would become deeply influential within the Symbolist and Expressionist movements.