p-crt 37 Rohrig Tarot Cards

The artwork presents a portrait framed within a card bearing the title The Emperor and the Roman numeral IV. The central figure is depicted in profile, his gaze directed towards the left side of the composition. His hair is styled in a distinctive wave, reminiscent of mid-20th century aesthetics. A meticulously rendered blue suit adorns him, punctuated by what appear to be stylized white dots or floral motifs across the fabric.
Above the portrait, the numeral IV is prominently displayed against a background of gold and dark blue, suggesting authority and structure. The card’s border features a deep blue band with golden accents, further reinforcing this sense of regal formality. A small astrological symbol – likely representing Aries – appears near the lower right corner, hinting at personality traits or influences associated with the figure.
A handwritten text is integrated into the design, positioned beneath the portrait and partially obscured by it. The script seems to be a mix of German and English phrases, including Der Kaiser (The Emperor) and references to authority and memory. This textual element adds layers of meaning, suggesting an exploration of power, identity, and perhaps even the complexities of legacy.
The overall effect is one of controlled grandeur, blending elements of portraiture with symbolic iconography. The artist seems to be engaging with themes of leadership, self-image, and the construction of a persona – all within the established framework of the Tarot’s archetypal imagery. The deliberate juxtaposition of historical references (the suit, the script) with a contemporary aesthetic creates an intriguing tension between tradition and modernity.