Who painted The Conqueror?

The Conqueror was painted by J. F. E. Ten Klooster in 1916.

Where can I see The Conqueror?

The Conqueror is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Conqueror?

Museum-quality prints of The Conqueror are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Conqueror

J. F. E. Ten Klooster , 1916

The Conqueror is a print by J. F. E. Ten Klooster. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created around 1916 by Dutch printmaker J.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1916 by Dutch printmaker J. F. E. Ten Klooster, *The Conqueror* is an early twentieth‑century graphic work in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition is rendered in stark black lines on a light field, presenting a dramatic, almost theatrical scene that emphasizes form over naturalistic detail.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, a muscular, barefoot man, stands upon a cloud clutching a sword, while two diminutive figures occupy a small boat beneath, gazing upward. The title suggests themes of domination or triumph, yet the ambiguous narrative leaves interpretation open, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between the towering conqueror and the vulnerable observers.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the image bears the hallmarks of a woodcut or similar relief process: bold, incised lines create a textured, tactile surface. The artist favors exaggerated contours and swirling cloud and wave motifs, producing a dynamic rhythm that foregrounds graphic intensity rather than realistic representation.

History & Provenance

The work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings sometime after its creation, though specific acquisition details remain limited. Its presence in the museum’s print collection situates it among other early modern European graphic works, reflecting the institution’s interest in early twentieth‑century printmaking.