Mors Imperator

In 1887, German artist Hermione von Preuschen created this monumental Symbolist painting that would make her famous almost overnight—not only because of what she painted, but because of the scandal that followed.

At the center of the composition stands Death itself: a skeleton dressed as a ruler, wrapped in a magnificent purple cloak trimmed with ermine. An iron crown with sharp points rests on its skull. With one hand, Death leans on a sword; with the other, it overturns an ornate throne. A jeweled crown has already fallen to the floor, while one skeletal foot rests firmly on a globe. Its message is simple. No wealth, power, or earthly authority can escape death. Here, Death is the ultimate emperor—the ruler of the entire world.

When von Preuschen submitted the painting to the Berlin Academy exhibition in 1887, the jury rejected it. The problem was apparently not Death itself, but whom viewers might think Death represented. The Academy feared that the painting could be interpreted as an allusion to the Prussian Emperor Wilhelm I, who was then 90 years old. Von Preuschen even obtained a declaration that the emperor himself had no objection to the work, but the jury still refused to exhibit it.

The artist responded brilliantly. Rather than accepting the Academy's decision, she rented rooms in Berlin and exhibited the painting herself, charging visitors admission. By then, newspapers had already begun reporting on the controversy, and the independent exhibition became a sensation. Crowds came to see the forbidden painting, critics debated the Academy's decision, and the 33-year-old artist suddenly found herself at the center of Berlin's cultural life.

Thanks to the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin, we can present Mors Imperator today while the painting is on view in the Scandal! Hermione von Preuschen and the “Mors Imperator” exhibition until November 15, 2026.

Isn't this story amazing? If you'd like to learn more about how art can surprise, challenge, and intrigue us, take our free How to Look at Art online course!  :)

P.S. If you want to see more paintings that are as macabre as they are fascinating, explore skulls in art!