Robert admired the wit, intelligence and audacity of artist Marcel Duchamp and submitted this work for a group exhibition on the theme “Inspired by Duchamp.” Duchamp loved playing chess and he often made images, not of things, but of their shadows. In this way, any object could become a tool to help one make an image. Robert’s shadow has two meanings. First, the “shadow of the king” may refer to Duchamp himself whose influence in the art world at times seems all pervasive. So much so that many young artists at this time felt they had to fight their way out from under his shadow. Second, the “shadow of the king” may refer to the chess piece itself. The shadow cuts through the picture frame at a sharp diagonal suggesting the king has fallen or been knocked over. In which case, the game is over. It’s a painting about death.