NEW DELHI: A newly unveiled portrait of King Charles III has drawn vivid and varied reactions, with some viewers suggesting the depiction looks as though “he’s bathing in blood.” The large-scale painting, measuring 2.6 by 2 meters, was commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Drapers and will be displayed in the Drapers’ Hall gallery in downtown London.
The portrait, created by a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery who has previously painted prominent royal figures, including Queen Camilla and the late Prince Philip, reflects a more controversial image of the monarch. The artist, Jonathan Yeo, mentioned that King Charles participated actively in the portrait’s conceptual phase, even suggesting the inclusion of a butterfly on his shoulder to symbolize his environmental advocacy and his transformative journey to the throne, a South China Morning Post report said.
“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, 53, who has previously painted Charles’ late father Prince Philip, said in a statement.
“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.”
Despite King Charles’s involvement, he was “initially surprised by the strong color,” Yeo revealed to the BBC. When the portrait was unveiled, the king appeared to react sharply to the vivid portrayal. The piece has also stirred online discussions, drawing references to the royal family’s controversial historical actions and personal scandals.
Some social media users drew humorous comparisons to the “Ghostbusters” villain, Vigo the Carpathian. Critical comments on platforms like Instagram included descriptions of the portrait as making Charles appear “like he’s in hell” or “bathing in blood.”
Queen Camilla, however, had a positive view of the portrayal, reportedly saying, “Yes, you’ve got him,” upon seeing the painting for the first time.
The portrait was commissioned to celebrate Charles’ 50 years as a member of the Drapers’ Company, which was set up more than 600 years ago as a trade association for wool merchants.
Philanthropy came to be part of their mission and the company is now a grant-giving body.
(With inputs from agencies)
The portrait, created by a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery who has previously painted prominent royal figures, including Queen Camilla and the late Prince Philip, reflects a more controversial image of the monarch. The artist, Jonathan Yeo, mentioned that King Charles participated actively in the portrait’s conceptual phase, even suggesting the inclusion of a butterfly on his shoulder to symbolize his environmental advocacy and his transformative journey to the throne, a South China Morning Post report said.
“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, 53, who has previously painted Charles’ late father Prince Philip, said in a statement.
“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.”
Despite King Charles’s involvement, he was “initially surprised by the strong color,” Yeo revealed to the BBC. When the portrait was unveiled, the king appeared to react sharply to the vivid portrayal. The piece has also stirred online discussions, drawing references to the royal family’s controversial historical actions and personal scandals.
Some social media users drew humorous comparisons to the “Ghostbusters” villain, Vigo the Carpathian. Critical comments on platforms like Instagram included descriptions of the portrait as making Charles appear “like he’s in hell” or “bathing in blood.”
Queen Camilla, however, had a positive view of the portrayal, reportedly saying, “Yes, you’ve got him,” upon seeing the painting for the first time.
The portrait was commissioned to celebrate Charles’ 50 years as a member of the Drapers’ Company, which was set up more than 600 years ago as a trade association for wool merchants.
Philanthropy came to be part of their mission and the company is now a grant-giving body.
(With inputs from agencies)