Q.  This is a famous photograph of Elvis and his mother Gladys and a re-interpretation of that photograph by the painter Elizabeth Peyton. What did Peyton do in her painting to help us better understand the relationship between Elvis and his mother?

A. Most importantly, she changed the posture of their bodies so that Elvis leans into Gladys a little more than he does in the original photograph. In Peyton’s version both figures are slimmer, Gladys appears younger and Elvis appears just a bit older and taller (but less tough). Also, she has changed the background to make it appear that the two are sitting in a wonderful private garden instead of in front of a staged backdrop. Peyton’s signature small, red lips also make them look a little like sweethearts. These changes create a strong narrative that is consistent with what we know about Elvis’ relationship with his mother, that the two were unusually close and devoted and often interacted more like siblings than like mother and son. Elvis was by many accounts a mama’s boy and Peyton has made carefully studied adjustments to call this out.