Royal Art Studio

#97029     32″ X 24″     giclee on canvas

Among the British royal family, Prince Charles obtained the highest academic education. Besides horseback riding, polo, and hunting, he also enjoys philosophy, literature, opera, architecture, and fine arts. The Prince possesses talent in painting as well; he sometimes sketches and paints in the quiet countryside, and often brings painting materials with him when traveling.In this “Royal Art Studio” by Dr. Chen. Prince Charles becomes integrated into Western art history. In the forefront, we see the most familiar and universal model by the New Classic master: Ingres (1780-1867). The model in his “The Velpcon Bather” (c. 1808) sits on a couch of the Napoleon age in the middle of the studio. Facing her, we see Cezanne (1839-1906) painting on an easel. On the model’s left, Prince Charles concentrates on his canvas. The smiling Princess Diana stands beside Charles and watches in admiration. Oranges and a coffee pot by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-90) sit on a round table nearby.Hanging up on the wall in the background are some paintings, including a portrait by El Greco (1541-1614).

Upon looking at Chen’s artwork, one may often feel the experience of deja-vu. Quoting famous images (icons) from art history, combining them (sometimes with actuality) in a new order to create an assumptive scenario/situation with new message/meaning through aesthetic expressions are the main characteristics of Dr. Chen’s “Neo-Iconography” style, which presents an aspect of “Post-Modern” art.

In the picture, it seems that Prince Charles has set up an art studio of his own and has invited Cezanne, the “Father of Modern Art” to be his teacher. The Prince has also employed the most beautiful model in the history of Western art to pose for him. How wonderful it would be to have such a royal art studio!

by T. F. and Julie Chen