lrs Santore Charles The Monkey as King Charles Santore (1935-)

The artwork presents a primate figure adorned with regal symbols, set against a backdrop suggesting architectural grandeur and muted natural light. The central subject is positioned in profile, facing left, and wears a substantial crown embellished with jewels. A thick fur collar, also ornamented with what appear to be pine cones or similar decorative elements, frames the neck. The primate’s posture is notable; one hand is raised, displaying a gesture that could be interpreted as either dismissive or contemplative. Its eyes are intensely focused, conveying an expression of shrewdness or perhaps weary authority.
The background reveals a stone structure, possibly part of a palace or temple facade. A sculpted lions head serves as a prominent architectural detail above the primate’s head, reinforcing themes of royalty and power. To the left, a glimpse of foliage suggests an outdoor setting, though the overall atmosphere is one of formality and enclosure. The color palette leans towards earthy tones – browns, grays, and muted greens – with the vibrant red jewels in the crown providing a striking contrast.
Several subtexts emerge from this composition. The juxtaposition of a primate – an animal often associated with mimicry or instinct – with symbols of monarchy immediately introduces an element of satire or commentary on power structures. The gesture made by the primate’s hand suggests a questioning or rejection of traditional authority, hinting at a potential critique of leadership or governance. The lion head above could be interpreted as either a symbol of protection or a mocking reminder of the expected ferocity and dominance associated with rulers.
The artist seems to explore themes of hierarchy, identity, and perhaps even the absurdity of human constructs like royalty. The work invites reflection on who holds power, how it is exercised, and whether those in positions of authority truly embody the qualities they are meant to represent. The overall effect is one of playful subversion, challenging conventional notions of leadership and status through a combination of visual irony and symbolic representation.