The Emperor Loved New Clothes 

Scott Gustafson painted "The Emperor Loved New Clothes" in the 21st century, although it’s undated, using oil on board. Here, the artist riffs on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale of vanity and courtly foolishness. The central figure, a pug in regal attire, is surrounded by symbols of monarchy. He is positioned in front of three ornate mirrors. The image creates meaning through these visual codes of wealth, status, and power which allude to historical courts. Gustafson’s work offers a playful critique of social hierarchies and the absurdity of blind faith in authority, as the artist self-consciously employs a progressive and accessible style, drawing on narrative to engage with broader audiences. Understanding an image like this requires looking into the tales it visually references, as well as how these reflect certain aspects of contemporary social and political trends. The role of the historian is to uncover these layers of meaning. This allows us to reflect on how art can be a tool for social commentary.