High above the Reception Desk, enthroned in a leafy bower, Rex, King of the Carnival and Monarch of Merriment, greets his loyal

Bror Anders Wikstrom. Info from http://www.travelbase.com/destinations/new-orleans/international-house/mardigras.html

"a prominent member of the art circles in 19th century New Orleans, was considered the dean of Carnival designers. For twenty-five years he designed the Rex parade, each year creating watercolor designs for twenty floats, one hundred and twenty costumes, and paraphernalia."