Checkmate
The painting "The Chess Players" (1831) by Moritz Retzsch depicts a young man in a desperate match against the Devil for his soul. According to legend, chess master Paul Morphy realized the "checkmate" was an illusion, famously declaring: "The King has one more move!"
This painting and story served as the inspiration for me to depict a chess-playing astronaut. Bitcoin is the middle class's "last move" to break free from subjugation by the profiteers of the Cantillon effect and the consequences of money printing, allowing us to finally achieve self-sovereignty. An astronaut felt like the perfect protagonist for this scenario and we all know why.
32-BTC-Chess
Another idea I've been considering is dedicating this artwork to Michael Saylor and Strategy.
I believe Michael Saylor is operating from an exceptionally strong strategic position and, in many ways, is playing four-dimensional chess while the rest of us are trying to keep up. Time and again, situations that appeared hopeless or unsustainable from the outside have ultimately demonstrated his ability to emerge even stronger through intelligent and carefully calculated decisions.
A recent example was his sale of 32 Bitcoin. While some viewed the move critically, it also served as a signal to the market that selling Bitcoin does not necessarily constitute a break from a Bitcoin treasury strategy or a loss of conviction in the asset itself. Instead, it showed that strategic flexibility and long-term commitment to Bitcoin can coexist, challenging the notion that a Bitcoin treasury company must never sell under any circumstances.
To the Moon
Space travel, and especially astronomy and astronauts, have always carried a certain fascination. I think that’s also why “to the Moon” became such a powerful metaphor for price movements.
In many ways, it is a fitting way to deal with the absurdity of the modern world: always more. More fiat money, larger financial speculation, bigger bubbles, IPOs, profit forecasts, expectations, and disappointments.
Bitcoin fits remarkably well into this world, yet without relying on grand promises or marketing narratives. If anything, the opposite is true. It remains one of the most misunderstood assets of our time.
Perhaps that is why Bitcoin critics become especially loud and numerous whenever Bitcoin’s journey to the Moon is interrupted by a temporary pause.
01
First sketch
This artwork also started like every other ballpoint pen drawing of mine, with a rough sketch, although for this piece I already had a very clear idea of the direction the artwork would take.
02
Charcoal?
For this astronaut artwork, I initially focused on the astronaut himself. I originally planned to complete the background using charcoal, but ultimately decided against it because I had never really worked with charcoal before and wasn't sure how it would look in combination with ballpoint pen.
02
Charcoal?
For this astronaut artwork, I initially focused on the astronaut himself. I originally planned to complete the background using charcoal, but ultimately decided against it because I had never really worked with charcoal before and wasn't sure how it would look in combination with ballpoint pen.
03
Magnifying glass
For this artwork, I later started using a magnifying glass and have now also ordered better equipment. I’ve realized that working with a magnifier and good lighting makes a significant difference in the overall quality and precision of the work.
04
Live drawing
I will be drawing this artwork live at Bitcoin Prague 2026 and will likely complete it there. Before finishing it, I have already incorporated my signature element: Camium-orange areas using fluorescent gouache paint.
05
Cadmium Orange
For this artwork, I later started using a magnifying glass and have now also ordered better equipment. I’ve realized that working with a magnifier and good lighting makes a significant difference in the overall quality and precision of the work.
The drawing process of
"Checkmate"
