Laughter (Hail, king of Judah) 1882

"Laughter (Hail, king of Judah)" is a painting by Ivan Kramskoy, a prominent figure in the Russian realist movement, completed in 1882. The artwork portrays a scene of political unrest, depicting the public mockery of a seemingly innocent man, possibly an allegorical representation of Jesus. The scene, filled with numerous figures, creates a sense of tension and anticipation. The title, "Laughter," sarcastically points towards the humorless reality of the situation, while the subtitle, "Hail, king of Judah," alludes to a religious theme. This historical painting utilizes realism to deliver a powerful message about the absurdity of power and the cruel nature of societal judgement.