Charles I 2018

Kehinde Wiley created this painting, "Charles I," in the United States during the early 21st century. Wiley is known for creating portraits of contemporary Black people that are styled after historical portraits of powerful European figures. The painting references portraiture’s institutional history. By adopting the conventions of European royal portraiture, Wiley challenges the traditional representation of power and status. The floral background pattern is derived from William Morris's wallpaper designs, referencing the history of British colonialism. This choice questions the historical exclusion of Black individuals from the narrative of power and dominance. As historians, we can analyze the painting by considering the social and cultural context in which it was created. By examining historical portraits, design history, and contemporary issues of race and representation, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex meanings embedded in Wiley's work. "Charles I" offers a commentary on the social structures of our time and invites us to reflect on the politics of imagery and the public role of art.