This painting shows the artist’s fascination with the portrayal of the upper class society and its depiction in mass media, revealing her inspiration derived from literature, particularly classic Russian literature...
This painting shows the artist’s fascination with the portrayal of the upper class society and its depiction in mass media, revealing her inspiration derived from literature, particularly classic Russian literature that explores themes of social hierarchy. The decorated room depicted in the painting exudes an aura of sophistication that is reminiscent of the Russian aristocracy’s opulence. The faces of the statuary characters are deliberately cropped out, symbolising the dehumanisation or anonymity often associated with the upper class and its depiction by the media. This choice by Milenkovic adds a mysterious and enigmatic quality to the composition. The figure in the foreground is unmistakably King Charles. The verticality of the painting enhances its static and monumental nature and brings a sense of timelessness to the scene.