Antoine, ‘The Grand Batard De Bourgogne’ 2011

Kehinde Wiley created 'Antoine, ‘The Grand Batard De Bourgogne’ as part of his series where he reinterprets classical portraits with young Black men. Wiley’s work confronts the historical absence of Black figures in Western art. In this piece, Antoine is depicted against a vibrant, ornithological background, holding an arrow, evoking both power and vulnerability. By styling his models in the poses of European aristocracy Wiley questions traditional notions of masculinity and power. He challenges the viewer to reconsider whose stories are told and celebrated in art history. Wiley once stated that “the very act of painting is about the violence of looking”. He invites a dialogue about race, representation, and the gaze. Through the juxtaposition of classical portraiture and contemporary Black identity, Wiley offers a powerful commentary on the politics of visibility and the construction of identity. Wiley’s artistic choices offer a space for re-imagining identity and reclaiming agency. This piece reshapes historical narratives while resonating with the emotional and personal experiences of contemporary life.