The artwork “History is Painted by the Victors,” created by artist Kent Monkman in 2013, is a prominent piece within the movements of Postcolonial art and Classical Realism. This figurative work is richly emblematic of Monkman’s reflective engagements with historical narratives and their representations.
The artwork presents a tranquil yet thought-provoking scene that encapsulates a picturesque landscape dominated by an imposing mountain, partially veiled by mist and clouds. The foreground showcases a variety of figures engaging in different activities by a serene, reflective lake surrounded by tall pines. These figures, predominantly nude and in naturalistic poses, contrast with one central figure who stands clothed in red with a headdress, actively painting the scene within the scene — a meta-commentary on the act of representing history. The composition harmonizes the sublime beauty of the natural world with a critical reflection on historical portrayal, subtly alluding to Indigenous perspectives and the complexities of recorded history. The meticulous detailing and classical realist style employed by Monkman underscore the depth and poignancy integral to the thematic content of the artwork.
