That's Very Red King Charles Painting Revealed

[Social Media]

 

Buckingham Palace recently unveiled the first official portrait of King Charles III since his coronation, and it has sparked a range of reactions due to its unconventional style. The 8.5 by 6.5-foot painting, created by British artist Jonathan Yeo, features the monarch clad in the uniform of the Welsh Guards, standing against a vivid red background. The portrait, which incorporates elements of traditional royal portraiture with modern aesthetics, aims to capture the king's deep humanity and evolving role in public life.

 

Yeo, known for his portraits of high-profile figures like Tony Blair and Nicole Kidman, began the project while Charles was still Prince of Wales. He had multiple sittings with the king and also worked from drawings and photographs to create the final artwork. The painting was commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Charles' membership in The Drapers’ Company, a philanthropic organization supporting education initiatives.

 

The portrait will be exhibited to the public at the Philip Mould Gallery in London before being displayed at Drapers’ Hall alongside other royal portraits. Despite the positive reception from the King and Queen, who expressed approval of the artwork, it has sparked divided opinions among viewers, particularly on social media.

 

While some praised the portrait for its unique interpretation and capturing the essence of the king, others criticized the choice of the intense red background, likening it to negative associations such as colonization or hell. Art historian Richard Morris commended Yeo's portrayal, highlighting the artist's ability to reveal the subject's flaws and mortality through his work.

 

Yeo, who primarily works with oils, explained that the vibrant colors used in the portrait pay homage to the royal heritage while injecting a contemporary element into the genre. He emphasized that the butterfly depicted in the painting symbolizes beauty and nature, reflecting the king's passion for environmental conservation.

 

Interestingly, Yeo's artistic repertoire extends beyond traditional portraiture, as evidenced by his foray into collage art. In the past, he created satirical portraits using cutouts from pornographic magazines to comment on political and moral issues. However, his portrait of King Charles III represents a departure from such provocative themes, focusing instead on celebrating the monarch's reign and personal interests.

 

Notably, King Charles III is also an artist himself, with a collection of his watercolors previously exhibited in London. He has described painting as a therapeutic activity that rejuvenates the soul—a sentiment that resonates with his appreciation for the arts and creativity.

 

In essence, Yeo's portrait of King Charles III serves as a contemporary representation of the monarchy, blending traditional symbolism with modern aesthetics. While its bold style may not appeal to everyone, it undoubtedly adds to the diverse tapestry of royal portraiture and reflects the evolving nature of artistic expression in the 21st century.

 

 

Credit: CNN 2024-05-16

 

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[Srikcir]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

reflects the evolving nature of artistic expression in the 21st century

The artist was on drugs?

[newbee2022]

Again: now all the stories popped up again: how was it with his desire to become a tampon? 

All red in red🤣

[JonnyF]

Looks terrible.

 

Did Just Stop Oil pelt it with tomatoes or something?

[newnative]

      I totally love it.  I think the artist did an excellent job.   So refreshing to see a portrait done differently from the usual run-of-the-mill.  Great that it is sparking comment--good art will do that.

[wombat]

I like it ...coming through the turbulent fog he has lived in.

[PETERTHEEATER]

At least it is a very good likeness. 

[spidermike007]

I like that painting alot, it's dramatic, very unconventional, and very cool. Kudos to the artist and kudos to the monarchy for not going with something more traditional, conventional and boring. 

[JonnyF]

34 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I like that painting alot, it's dramatic, very unconventional, and very cool. Kudos to the artist and kudos to the monarchy for not going with something more traditional, conventional and boring. 

 

Traditional, conventional and boring is exactly what the monarchy should be going for.

 

This isn't the Kardashians we are talking about. 

[impulse]

200 years from today, people are going to walk past the collection of Royal portraits and wonder "what kind of drugs were they on?"  And wonder what the butterfly may have been saying to him.

 

There's a time for originality and spunk.  Royal portraits?  Nope.  They should convey stability.  Plus, gotta consider what it's going to look like in the context of all the rest.

 

Edited May 16 by impulse

[spidermike007]

9 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Traditional, conventional and boring is exactly what the monarchy should be going for.

 

This isn't the Kardashians we are talking about. 

Well nobody ever said the Kardashians had any taste did they? I'm applauding them for being a little bit edgy and for embracing the contemporary world  Traditional and conventional is so lifeless, and utterly stifling. 

[herfiehandbag]

He is taking the piss.

At least it was funded by a "philanthropic foundation" the Drapers Company, so the public aren't paying.

 

I somehow doubt if it will be remembered, by this time next year it will be down in the cellars of Buckingham Palace, leaning against the portrait of The Queen by Rolf Harris, collecting dust.

 

I have to say King Charles does not look all that impressed! Prince Louis could have done a better job with his painting set!

Edited May 17 by herfiehandbag