"The King of Rats" explores the legend of the Rat King—a group of rats whose tails are bound together, often seen as a sign of impending doom since the 16th century Black Plague. This mythology persists in literature and TV, symbolizing ill fortune. In her artwork, Lilly Foster-Eardley embodies the Rat King, portraying its dominance over its subjects, with storybook symbols hinting at its hunger for power. The piece aims to both captivate and unsettle the viewer with its playful facade hiding the darker truth of the Twisted Rat King.