Charles I And Henrietta Maria 2006

Kehinde Wiley created this oil on canvas as a modern take on the traditional royal portrait. The entwined hands, a central motif, echo symbols of marriage and alliance found in historical depictions of royal couples. These gestures carry echoes of betrothal ceremonies and dynastic unions seen throughout art history. Consider the Roman tradition of “dextrarum iunctio,” where clasped right hands sealed agreements, or the medieval iconography of royal marriages, often symbolized by joining hands. Here, this symbol is transported into a contemporary context, inviting us to contemplate themes of power, union, and identity across centuries. The abundant foliage and flowers reference growth and prosperity. The intertwining of hands speaks to a deep, subconscious longing for connection and continuity. The artist evokes this primal yearning, tapping into our collective memory. By placing his figures within this historical framework, Wiley engages in a powerful dialogue about the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring impact on our cultural psyche.