Oz #45 Charles Santore (1935-)

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of power and vulnerability within a distinctly artificial setting. The scene is framed by a rigid, geometric border – a green rectangle with sharply defined edges – which immediately establishes a sense of constructed reality rather than natural observation. Within this frame, a large lion dominates the left side of the image. He wears spectacles, an unexpected detail that undermines any notion of regal ferocity and introduces a layer of absurdity. His mouth is open in what appears to be a panting or distressed expression, with his tongue lolling out; it’s not a roar but rather a sign of discomfort.
To the right stands a diminutive figure, dressed in formal attire – a waistcoat, trousers, and a neatly arranged collar. He holds a small bottle aloft, seemingly offering something to the lion. His posture is one of confident authority, yet his size relative to the animal creates an imbalance that questions this perceived dominance. A metal bowl sits on the ground between them, presumably intended as a receptacle for whatever the man offers.
The color palette reinforces the peculiar nature of the scene. The vibrant green background contributes to the feeling of unreality and confinement. The lion’s reddish-orange fur contrasts sharply with the figures pale complexion, further emphasizing their difference.
Subtextually, the work appears to be a commentary on power dynamics and the artificiality of authority. The spectacles worn by the lion suggest an intellectualization or domestication of primal instinct – a taming through reason or perhaps a mocking of perceived wisdom. The diminutive man’s confident demeanor is undercut by his physical stature; he attempts to exert control over a creature far larger than himself, but his success remains questionable. The offered bottle could represent a form of manipulation, a promise of something that might alleviate the lions discomfort, or even a subtle form of subjugation.
The overall effect is one of unsettling humor and social critique – a world where appearances are deceptive, and established hierarchies are playfully challenged within an environment deliberately divorced from naturalism.