Oz #35 Charles Santore (1935-)

The composition presents a densely populated scene dominated by anthropomorphic simian figures and a central, commanding figure wielding a staff. The color palette is warm, leaning heavily on yellows, oranges, and browns, creating a sense of feverish intensity and perhaps even disorientation. A black border frames the image, isolating it from any implied external context.
The central figure, clad in dark robes, possesses an aged, almost skeletal face accentuated by prominent cheekbones and deeply set eyes. He holds a long staff that appears to be directing or controlling the surrounding creatures. The staff’s downward angle suggests authority and perhaps even coercion. A chain hangs from his waist, culminating in a pocket watch displaying Roman numerals – a clear symbol of times relentless passage and potentially, control over it.
Surrounding him are numerous monkey-like beings exhibiting a range of behaviors: some appear to be flying, others clinging to the central figure or observing with varying degrees of apprehension or subservience. The presence of wings on several of these creatures introduces an element of fantasy and transcendence, while their simian features ground them in a recognizable, albeit altered, reality. One monkey, positioned prominently in the foreground, stares directly outward with intense red eyes, creating a direct connection with the viewer that is both unsettling and captivating.
The background is indistinct, suggesting a dreamlike or hallucinatory space. The hazy yellow tones contribute to this sense of unreality, blurring any clear spatial definition. This lack of depth reinforces the feeling of being immersed within a chaotic, internal world rather than observing an external scene.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of power, control, and the distortion of natural order. The central figure’s dominance over the simian population suggests a hierarchical structure built on manipulation or subjugation. The pocket watch implies that this control is linked to time itself – perhaps representing an attempt to freeze, manipulate, or exploit it for personal gain. The presence of wings hints at aspirations beyond earthly limitations, but these are tempered by the creatures’ continued dependence on the central figure. Overall, the work evokes a sense of unease and invites contemplation about the nature of authority, freedom, and the potential for both beauty and corruption within fantastical realms.