Kejser Karl den Femte 1916

J.A. Jerichau, or Jerichau II, made this small etching titled ‘Kejser Karl den Femte’ in 1916. Jerichau's simplified style evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection. The image depicts Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, with a skull at the bottom and two other figures behind him, all set against a background of vertical lines. This was a turbulent time in Europe as World War I raged. The themes of mortality and leadership might well be a reflection on the state of European society. Etchings at this time were becoming increasingly popular and important as a medium for artistic expression, allowing artists to explore socially relevant themes. To understand Jerichau's intentions fully, a researcher might look at the cultural context of Denmark during the early 20th century, including the artistic movements and intellectual debates prevalent at the time, as well as the artist's wider body of work.