The painting is based on the celebrated 'Banquet of Cleopatra' by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770), in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. Using his extensive knowledge of classical architecture, Jason Cordero created a CGI model of the original's architectural environment in 3dsMax (no AI, all fastidious modeling by hand), establishing physical camera parameters to match Tiepolo's perspective and use of space within the CGI environment. He ignored the figures, leaving a table in the original position and a chair (based very closely on an Egyptian original). Rather than the fanciful Serapis and Antinous figures, the statues in the midground niches have been replaced with typical New Kingdom imagery. The resulting image has no distinct temporal location. It invites the viewer to ponder the classical ideal, whatever that may be, and society's place in that idyll. In times of unrest, the idealising of the past becomes increasingly pertinent: as a dream for some and a tool for others.