"The Emperor in Exile" Photograph

This illustration titled "The Emperor in Exile” was done by Matěj Čadil, an artist from the Czech Republic. Drawn on A3 paper using watercolor pencils, the illustration of Karl was completed as part of a Historical Personality challenge on Projekt ilustrace, a Czech illustration website that connects artists and invites them to create artworks on a given theme. The illustration was completed in conjunction with the 95th anniversary of the Emperor's death on April 1, 2017. 

Emperor Karl is depicted during his final days in Madeira amidst its picturesque landscape. Wearing the brown jacket that appears in many period photographs, Karl is shown in the terrace garden of his house in Monte overlooking the town of Funchal. In the background is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of Monte), where Karl, Zita, and the children often visited and prayed.

As a traditional artist, Matěj focuses on landscape and architectural drawings, as well as fantasy illustrations inspired by the written works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Specializing in decorative border designs, Matěj takes his inspiration from historic periods in art history like the Middle Ages and Art Deco. He often combines his traditional art in his graphic design projects.

8x10 inches. Printed on crystal-clear Fuji Crystal Archive paper.