Officer Of The Hussars 2007

Kehinde Wiley's "Officer of the Hussars" (2007) is a contemporary reimagining of traditional equestrian portraits. Wiley, known for his vibrant, hyperrealistic paintings, depicts a young African American man in modern clothing astride a white horse. The ornate background, featuring gold foliage on a crimson canvas, draws inspiration from European portraiture conventions, emphasizing the subject's power and authority. This piece challenges historical notions of heroism and representation, prompting viewers to consider themes of race, identity, and power within the context of art history.