Anyone old enough to have experienced the last two decades of the twentieth century has heard the story of Diana. Everyone remembers her fairytale wedding to Prince Charles of England. Everyone remembers how this Royal marriage fell apart and everyone remembers the day when the news reported Diana's untimely demise as well as the rumors that grew and continue to grow about her death.

Predominantly in shades of blue there is an air of melancholy hanging over this painting which befits the subject matter. The picture pays tribute to the Princess Diana, the mother of the British Crown Prince, and to the above mentioned rumors surrounding her tragic death. However, it is not the type of painting one might expect to honor a historic person. Provocative and accusing the artist seems to point a finger straight at the British Royal family, reminiscent of some of the rumors that have spread since Diana's death.

The main feature of the painting, taking the center line, is a big wooden cross suspended on which is Diana. In the background behind her is the idyllic setting of the Thames River and the famous London skyline including Big Ben. The scene is set under a clear blue sky.

Diana, like Jesus Christ, is nailed to the cross through the palms of her hands and through her lower legs just over her feet. She is nude and innocent. This innocence is further emphasized by the halo surrounding her head and shoulders. The figure of Diana is wearing only a silver diadem and matching earrings on her head and earlobes. Around her neck is a golden necklace suspended on which, hanging between her breasts, is an equally golden Star David. On first glance the presence of the Jewish star seems to be out of place on this painting. However, it is to honor Diana's Jewish ancestors who were forced to convert to Christianity in earlier centuries. The cloth which may once have covered her and given her a semblance of decency has long since slipped and slid down to her feet...

Perhaps it is not a coincidence that this cloth bears the Israeli national colors blue and white?

Diana is bared to the world a little like her character was throughout her adult life due to the constant media coverage. The expression on Diana's face is sad, but not angry. Like Jesus Christ she has accepted her fate. She seems to grieve for the world rather than for herself.

Flanking the cross are two members of the Royal family. Diana's former husband Prince Charles is to her left and the Queen is to her right. Unlike Diana the Royals are not shown in full on this painting, placing the emphasis of the picture on Diana.

On the painting it appears almost as though the Royals had returned to the scene of the crime. Prince Charles wearing a dark, ceremonial uniform seems troubled, perhaps even a bit guilty.

He seems to – unsuccessfully - try to avoid looking at the figure on the cross and his gaze is split between his ex wife and the Queen.

Another curiosity of this painting is that while both Diana and Prince Charles have been painted looking the approximate age they are or were the Queen appears much younger, looking like she did during her coronation half a century ago. Wearing the Royal crown, pearl earrings, a pearl necklace and white gown the Queen purposefully avoids looking at the cross beside her. Instead her eyes are looking straight at the viewer. No guilt or worry can be seen in her eyes. She is completely indifferent to the plight of her former daughter-in-law…

By Sascha Witt