The New Red Portrait of King Charles III and His Reaction

A dramatic new portrait of King Charles III by British artist Jonathan Yeo has stirred global reactions this week. The bold painting, unveiled at Buckingham Palace on May 14, is the first official portrait of the 75-year-old king since his May 2023 coronation.

The portrait, saturated in red, depicts Charles in the red military uniform of the Welsh Guards, seated with his hand on his sword against a vibrant red background, with a monarch butterfly over his right shoulder. Charles approved the contemporary piece, noting he was “initially mildly surprised by the strong color but seemed to be smiling approvingly.”

Queen Consort Camilla also liked the portrait, telling Yeo, “Yes, you’ve got him.”

Opinions in the art world are divided. Art critic Richard Morris praised it on X for capturing Charles’ flaws and mortality, calling Yeo a master of contemporary portraits. In contrast, artist Robert Brinkerhoff from the Rhode Island School of Design found the red overwhelming, likening it to “blood” and calling it a shock.

Brinkerhoff suggested that Charles, familiar with art, likely anticipated the intense reaction, viewing the portrait as a bold, perhaps honorable, move. He emphasized that controversy often holds more significance in art than convention.

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Ultimately, the portrait is open to interpretation, sparking conversation and strong reactions, making it a significant addition to the portrayal of the British monarchy.