AfII 0012 The Monkey as King CharlesSantore sqs Charles Santore (1935-)

The drawing presents a primate figure adorned with regal attire, positioned centrally within a structured architectural setting. The animal is crowned with an elaborate headpiece, replete with jewels and intricate detailing characteristic of royal insignia. A fur mantle, similarly embellished, drapes across its shoulders, further reinforcing the impression of elevated status.
The composition’s background reveals a stone facade, punctuated by a sculpted lions head – a traditional symbol of royalty and power – positioned above the primate. The lighting is soft and diffused, creating a sense of theatricality and highlighting the textures of both the animal’s fur and the architectural elements. A palm frond appears to the left, adding a touch of exoticism to the scene.
The primates expression is ambiguous; it seems to convey a mixture of contemplation and perhaps even mild annoyance or skepticism. The gesture of its hand – raised with a finger seemingly directed towards the viewer – introduces an element of challenge or playful defiance.
Subtextually, the drawing appears to explore themes of power, authority, and social satire. By placing a primate in the role of royalty, the artist invites consideration of the arbitrary nature of hierarchies and the potential for absurdity when conventional symbols of status are applied to unexpected subjects. The lion’s head above serves as an ironic counterpoint, emphasizing the incongruity of the situation. The gesture of the primate suggests a questioning or rejection of the authority it ostensibly embodies. Overall, the work seems designed to provoke amusement while simultaneously prompting reflection on societal structures and expectations.