- King Charles III had his painting done
- It has received mixed reviews
- THIS was the unveiling
It's not every day you get commissioned to paint the king of Britain. Painted by the renowned Jonathan Yeo, this masterpiece breaks free from the shackles of traditional royal portraiture, presenting a modern monarch ready to lead into the 21st century. But it's not just the art world that's talking; social media is lit with hot takes!
A Portrait Three Years in the Making
Crafted meticulously over three years, the portrait towers at over 6 feet, showcasing Charles in the regal uniform of the Welsh Guards. The striking red backdrop isn't just a bold choice; it's a statement, setting the stage for a monarch who's not afraid to stand out.
And let's not forget the symbolic butterfly perched above Charles' shoulder, representing his transformative journey to kingship.
The unveiling at Buckingham Palace, attended by Queen Camilla herself, has sparked a wildfire of opinions online. Some are hailing the portrait as a breath of fresh air, praising its departure from the staid and traditional.
Yet, others can't help but express their dismay, with one commenter humorously noting, "I'm sorry but his portrait looks like he's in hell."
Despite the divisive backdrop, many agree that Yeo's rendition captures the essence of Charles' humanity, with a face that tells the story of a life rich in experience and ready for the challenges of monarchy in the modern age.
For those eager to witness this historic piece in person, mark your calendars! The portrait will grace the Philip Mould Gallery in London starting May 16 for a month before finding its permanent home at Draper's Hall, a location steeped in history and originally owned by King Henry VIII.
Jonathan Yeo, the artist behind the canvas, aimed to blend royal tradition with contemporary flair, reflecting the monarchy's evolution. "I'm unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King," Yeo shared, highlighting the depth and humanity of Charles as both a man and a monarch.
"When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I've painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject's role in our public life has transformed," Yeo said in a statement today.
"I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter's face. In this case, my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of Royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st Century Monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject's deep humanity."
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Whether you're captivated by the boldness of the red or wish for a touch of nature to reflect Charles' environmental passions, this portrait undeniably sparks conversation. It's a vivid reminder that art, like monarchy, evolves, reflecting the times and the individual.
So, what's your take? Is King Charles III's official portrait a fiery triumph or a miss that's too hot to handle?
