The new official portrait of King Charles III by Jonathan Yeo has caused controversy due to its unconventional approach. The portrait shows the king in his Welsh Guards uniform with a butterfly symbolizing his metamorphosis from prince to sovereign. However, it is the sea of crimson that engulfs his entire body giving the impression of him floating face-first that has sparked interpretation and criticism. Many have likened the color red to negative connotations such as the monarchy going up in flames or the king burning in hell. Others have associated it with colonial bloodshed and even made references to personal scandals in the royal family’s history.
The choice of the intense red color for the royal portrait was meant to create a more modern interpretation of the monarch, reflecting King Charles III’s desire to be seen as a modern ruler. However, given the challenges and controversies he has faced since taking the throne, the choice of shade has taken on deeper significance. The public falling out with Prince Harry, his cancer diagnosis, the speculation surrounding Princess Catherine, and calls to abolish the monarchy have all added to the intense scrutiny of the portrait. The artist’s goal was to capture a more contemporary image of the king, which seemed to have been achieved according to Queen Camilla’s reaction to the finished piece.
Jonathan Yeo, the artist behind the portrait, has faced similar reactions in the past when he attempted a more abstract interpretation of a royal portrait. His previous work with Prince Philip and Queen Camilla was more traditional, making this departure all the more controversial. The portrait of King Charles will be on display at various galleries starting from the Philip Mould Gallery before moving to Drapers’ Hall in London. The context in which the portrait is viewed, among other more traditional royal portraits, underscores its significance in capturing not just a monarch, but also the conflicts and challenges surrounding the role and the individual in it.
The public reaction to the portrait reflects the deep-seated emotions and controversies surrounding the royal family and the institution of monarchy itself. The interpretation of the color red as symbolizing negativity and turmoil in this context has added layers of meaning to the portrait. Whether intentional or not, the portrait of King Charles III will go down in history as a reflection of the complexities and challenges faced by the modern monarchy and the personal struggles of the individuals within it. Jonathan Yeo’s bold artistic choice has sparked discussions and debate, underscoring the power and impact of royal portraiture in capturing the essence of a moment in time. It remains to be seen how this portrait will be remembered in the annals of royal history.
