IV The Emperor

Interpretation
Egon Schiele’s portrait of Eduard Kosmack rests on the muscular legs of Alexander the Great, making for an imposing figure of influence and creativity.  Mars floats in the background as a reminder of all things material and expansive.  Towers of commerce rise up around him like a forest born from the Emperor’s toil. The napoleonic bees scurry upwards to manifest their master’s blueprints.  The Emperor’s face appears resolute, but is also shadowed by a portrait of Schiele himself, alluding to an inner turmoil as he attempts to turn emotion and inspiration into a sturdy foundation for the world he’s intent on inhabiting.

The Emperor signifies success through intentionality and planning.  In order to build in the physical world, a plan of action and inner alignment of values is required.  Don’t be afraid to put your plans and ideas on paper as this reaffirms their importance.  Beholding the work of your mind in black and white can be a catalyst for achieving results.

Be willing to receive guidance in how to best apply yourself directly and never underestimate the power of  your will.   

Background
The figure of the emperor is a combination of Egon Schiele and his agent Eduard Kosmack. The transition from emotion and spirit to commerce is always an uncomfortable one for the artist. Here the two personalities come together to manifest success for the artist in ways he can’t on his own. The hand with sword is Schiele’s hand and it cuts at the heart of the emperor’s efforts to create permanence and success. It is also a reference to the “Suicide King” in a traditional deck of cards. No emperor is not divided by the conflicting emotions that create lasting success. This emperor, rooted in Alexander the Great’s legs of stone is at the center of the turmoil required to succeed.

The bees, a symbol of productivity and the icon of Napoleon’s reign scurry about building the towers of commerce lit by the glow of mars.