The subject matter depicts four medieval figures in close format frontal view.

The figures are pushed forward toward the viewer and engulf the entire canvas.

Given their medieval attire and their apparent disposition, it is widely thought that these four figures are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

The Cynics is unlike any other works by Williams both in artistic merit and subject matter.

When comparing this work to his later pieces, drastic differences begin to emerge.

The subject matter is non-automotive, devoid of women, and it lacks the overall edginess that one associates with Williams' name.

There are no bright vivid colors; instead, we see an uncharacteristically dark and muted palette.

Williams has also applied thick layers of paint that add a moving texture to the canvas and the painting like Williams' later Zombie Mystery Paintings.

Although Williams characteristically uses multiple layers of paint in his works, here the paint and brush strokes are thick and appli...