When I Ruled the World

"For some reason I can't explain, I know Saint Peter won't call my name. Never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world."--Coldplay, 'Viva La Vida'

Symbolism! Here I wanted to portray Valmont being as arrogant as ever, smoking a high-value paper bill just to show how rich he is, and meanwhile his jacket is sewn and patched because he knows he can't shell out to get a new suit. I love Coldplay's song "Viva La Vida," which tells the story of a medieval king who died and was denied entrance into Heaven because of his greed, and thus came back as a beggar on the street.

Valmont © Sony Entertainment and Julian Sands
"Viva La Vida" © Coldplay and Parlophone Records
Art © IrishRoulette