King Charles unveiled a portrait of himself, a project initiated during his time as Prince and culminated as King. The artwork, the first issued since his Coronation, was revealed at Buckingham Palace in the blue drawing room. With a dramatic gesture, Charles pulled back a giant red bow to unveil the vast oil on canvas, showcasing a larger-than-life depiction of himself in the uniform of the Welsh Guards, on a canvas measuring 8ft 15in by 6ft 15in.
The portrait, created by artist Jonathan Yeo, aims to capture a “21st-century monarch” and features Charles with a sword in hand, a beautiful butterfly landing on his right shoulder. Upon seeing the finished piece, the King offered a succinct yet insightful nine-word response: “It is remarkable actually how it has turned out.”
Yeo, known for his portraits of notable figures including the late Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen, as well as Sir David Attenborough, embarked on this project in 2020 to commemorate Prince Charles’s 50 years as a member of the Drapers’ Company, with careful consideration given to the size to fit within the context of Drapers’ Hall’s architecture.
Symbolism abounds in the painting, with a monarch butterfly depicted above the King’s shoulder, signifying Charles’s transformation from prince to King. Yeo, who had four sittings with the monarch between June 2021 and November 2023 to complete the painting, spoke of the significance of the butterfly motif, likening it to Charles’s metamorphosis.
During the unveiling, Yeo humorously acknowledged the potential risks associated with the portrayal, quipping about the consequences of treason and suggesting that losing one’s head would be a fitting end for a portrait painter. Despite the jest, the unveiling marked a significant moment in Yeo’s career and in the representation of the King.
King Charles, dressed in his full Welsh Guards uniform, endured lengthy sittings, standing with his sword for around 40 minutes each time. Yeo reflected on the process, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to capture such an intriguing subject. He also noted that the sittings concluded before the King’s cancer diagnosis, underscoring the timing and significance of the portrait.
As the portrait prepares to go on public display at the Philip Mould Gallery in London and later at Drapers’ Hall, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Charles and his pivotal role in contemporary British history. Through Yeo’s masterful interpretation, viewers are invited to contemplate the essence of monarchy in the 21st century, encapsulated in the dignified yet dynamic portrayal of the King.
Beyond its artistic merits, the portrait also raises questions about the role of portraiture in shaping public perception of monarchy. As the monarchy evolves in the modern era, portraits serve as visual representations of kingship, conveying power, authority, and personality. Yeo’s portrait of King Charles seeks to capture not only his physical likeness but also his character and significance as a contemporary monarch.
The inclusion of symbolism, such as the monarch butterfly, adds layers of meaning to the portrait, inviting viewers to interpret its significance in relation to Charles’s reign. The butterfly, with its association with transformation and rebirth, suggests a narrative of growth and change, reflecting Charles’s journey from prince to King.
Moreover, the portrait’s unveiling at Buckingham Palace symbolizes the official recognition of Charles’s reign and his position within the royal family. It marks a moment of celebration and commemoration, as the King’s image is immortalized in paint, joining the ranks of other royal portraits that adorn the palace walls.
As the portrait goes on public display, it will undoubtedly spark conversations and debates about monarchy, art, and identity. Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to engage with the portrait, to reflect on its meaning, and to consider its significance in the context of contemporary British society.
Overall, King Charles’s portrait represents more than just a likeness of the monarch; it is a symbol of his reign, his legacy, and his place in history. Through the skillful hand of Jonathan Yeo, the portrait captures the essence of King Charles, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of monarchy in the 21st century.