Dreaming of Travel
signed (lower left)
oil on canvas
17" x 13" (43 cm x 33 cm)
León Gallery wishes to thank the artist forconfirming the authenticity of this lot



Brian Uhing summons the visual language of the classical master as he narrates a playfully poignant allegory akin to the spirit of the age In his works, one can see how Uhing takes inspiration from the masters of yore. The colors of Titian, the playfulness of Bruegel, and the enigma of Magritte. But his treatment of his subject lends itself more towards the school of surrealism and even postmodernity; Uhing labored countless hours to quench his obsession for perfection by employing meticulous craftsmanship towards every detail of the piece. In Uhing’s Dreaming of Travel, one is greeted by a portrait of Marie Antoinette holding a teacup and surrounded by. As one of the more well-known members of the French aristocracy, Antoinette is often seen as a larger-than-life figure; an individual whose mythos is often greater than reality. The title seemingly suggests that the work explores Antionette’s introduction to the Palace of Versailles. Coming from a relatively less regal background, Antoinette was bound by the different rituals and ceremonies that were expected of royalty. Thus, some accounts would note that though Antoinette had moved up the social ladder, her duties stifled some of the freedoms she used to enjoy. The theme of freedom is further emphasized by the inclusion of the birds, which are flying out of the cup, headed somewhere beyond the canvas; effectively acting as a metaphor for a sort of emancipation Antoinette could no longer experience. (J.D.)