Controversy Surrounds King Charles' Latest Portrait by Renowned Artist
Renowned artist Jonathan Yeo's bold portrayal of the British monarch sparks controversy with its striking red tones evoking strong imagery of blood and hellfire, dividing opinions among viewers and critics alike.
Buckingham Palace recently unveiled the first official portrait of King Charles III following his coronation. The painting, measuring 8.5 by 6.5 feet, features bold red brushstrokes that have sparked mixed reactions.
The artwork was created by British artist Jonathan Yeo, known for his portraits of prominent figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, actress Nicole Kidman, and education advocate Malala Yousafzai.
Yeo started the project when Charles was still the Prince of Wales. The painting shows the monarch in the Welsh Guards uniform, holding a sword, with a fiery red background that almost engulfs him. A butterfly in the painting looks like it is about to land on his shoulder.
In a statement from Buckingham Palace, Yeo mentioned that the portrait has evolved along with the subject's changing role in public life. He compared the transformation to the butterfly hovering over the monarch's shoulder in the painting.
I strive to capture the life experiences reflected in each individual's face. In this particular instance, my goal was to pay homage to the traditions of royal portraiture, while also portraying a modern monarchy and, most importantly, conveying the subject's humanity.
Yeo had four sittings with the King, and also utilized drawings and photographs provided by the palace.
Artist Jonathan Yeo painted a portrait of King Charles III on canvas. The portrait was commissioned in 2020 to honor the Prince of Wales for his 50 years of membership in The Drapers' Company, to be celebrated in 2022. 
The commissioned work by Jonathan Yeo was created to honor Charles’ 50th anniversary of being a member of The Drapers’ Company. This organization supports education initiatives and other philanthropic endeavors. The artwork will be on display to the public at the Philip Mould Gallery in London from May 16 to June 14. Afterward, it will be showcased at Drapers’ Hall starting at the end of August, alongside other portraits of royalty.
The King and Queen are said to be pleased with the portrait. According to Yeo, Camilla mentioned to the BBC that she thought, "Yes you’ve got him," upon seeing the final result. The monarch, on the other hand, was mildly surprised by the bold color but overall seemed to be smiling in approval. There was a lot of discussion about the portrait on social media.
Under a post of the portrait on the royal family’s Instagram account, one user commented, "with the uniform and that color it looks like a visual representation of the massacre caused by colonizers." Another user expressed, "I would have loved this if it was any other color than red. He really captured his essence in the face, but the harshness of the red doesn’t match the softness of his expression." Another post remarked, "Looks like he’s going straight to hell."
Art historian Richard Morris praised a portrait for its ability to capture real appearances before the invention of photography. He mentioned that having a great painter depict you meant accepting your flaws and mortality, which is what artist Yeo achieves in his work.
Although Yeo is known for his oil paintings, he also explored collage as a medium. In 2007, when a painting commission of former US President George W. Bush fell through, he created a satirical collage using cutouts from pornographic magazines. This piece was meant to be an ironic homage, challenging the perceived moral superiority of the extreme right in American politics.
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The first in a series showcased public figures who were believed to have compromised their moral values, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sarah Palin, Silvio Berlusconi, and British conservative activist Mary Whitehouse.
Regarding the portrait of the King, Yeo mentioned on his website that the vibrant glaze colors not only reflect the royal heritage seen in many historical portraits but also bring a modern touch to the genre with their strong hue, offering a contemporary contrast to traditional portrayals.
The butterfly was added to symbolize beauty and nature, showcasing the king's love for the environment.
Yeo's paintings can be found in the permanent collection of London's National Portrait Gallery.
The King, who is also an artist, displayed his collection of watercolors in London in 2022. He has mentioned before that painting is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic activities for him. According to him, it refreshes parts of the soul that other activities cannot reach.
Editor's P/S:
The portrait of King Charles III, unveiled by Buckingham Palace, presents a striking and bold representation of the monarch. Created by renowned artist Jonathan Yeo, the painting features vivid red brushstrokes that evoke both the traditional grandeur of royal portraiture and the transformative nature of Charles's reign. Yeo's skillful brushwork captures the king's humanity and conveys a sense of continuity while embracing contemporary artistic expression. The symbolic butterfly hovering over his shoulder adds a touch of whimsy and underscores the king's commitment to environmental causes.
The mixed reactions to the portrait underscore the multifaceted nature of royal imagery. While some commentators appreciate the artistic boldness, others find the red background overwhelming. The portrait serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of the monarchy, balancing tradition with modernity and reflecting the diverse perspectives within society. Yeo's ability to capture the king's likeness and convey both his personal and public persona adds to the significance of this official portrait, which will likely become an iconic representation of King Charles III's reign.
