King Charles inaugural Portrait as monarch, gets roasted online

The crimson painting has prompted social media users to dub it “hideous."


Pop Culture & Art May 15, 2024

Social media has responded unfavorably to King Charles III's first official portrait since his coronation last year.

The portrait depicts the monarch adorned in the ceremonial red attire of the Welsh Guards set against a backdrop of red. 

Additionally, a crimson butterfly is depicted hovering over his shoulder. 

According to the artist, this small creature symbolizes King Charles III's endeavors in environmental conservation.


Tuesday's unveiling of the British monarch's portrait, donning a uniform with a predominant red color scheme, sparked a flurry of reactions across social media. 

Critics particularly emphasized the unsettling nature of the red tones, labeling the artwork as "hideous."

One critic on X, formerly Twitter, insinuated connections between the monarch and satanic imagery.

The oil on canvas, measuring 7.5 feet by 5.4 feet, was crafted by Jonathan Yeo. 

Yeo has previously created portraits on canvas for Charles's wife, Camilla, in 2014, and his father, Prince Philip, in 2008.

The painting will be showcased at the Philip Mould Gallery in London for a month, commencing on May 16. 

Following this exhibition, it will find a permanent home at Drapers Hall, a historic London edifice once under the ownership of King Henry VIII.

 

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ