People were seeing red after the first official portrait of King Charles III since his coronation was unveiled Tuesday.
Some liked what they saw, others not so much.
That’s because the 8.5 by 6.5-foot painting is by British artist Jonathan Yeo is predominantly fiery red. The painting show Charles in the uniform of the Welsh Guards with a sword and a butterfly near his shoulder, according to CNN.
Yeo, who began the project while Charles was still a prince, explained the painting in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.
“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 said.
“I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter’s face. In this case, 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,” he said.
Both the King and Queen are reportedly happy with the portrait.
Yeo told the BBC Camilla said, “Yes you’ve got him.”
Charles was “mildly surprised by the strong color, but otherwise he seemed to be smiling approvingly,” per CNN.
Yeo said he wanted to paint something distinctive and a break with the past. He added he was aiming for something personal, the BBCreported.
“My interest is really in figuring out who someone is and trying to get that on a canvas,” Yeo said.
Art historian Richard Morris said, “I really like the portrait… before photography, to have a great painter capture your real appearance you accepted the revelation of your flaws and your mortality. It’s what Yeo captures here.”
Comments on X, formerly Twitter, referred to Charles being in hell as well as seeing something demonic..
King Charles official portrait. Apparently he’s in hell. pic.twitter.com/py1PcCFKWL
— Hoodlum(@NotHoodlum) May 14, 2024
Yeo said on his website the vivid colors of the glazes are “not only resonating with the royal heritage found in many historical portraits but also injecting a dynamic, contemporary jolt into the genre with its uniformly powerful hue — providing a modern contrast to more traditional depictions.”
He said the butterfly symbolized beauty and nature while highlighting the king’s passion for the environment.
The process included for sittings with Charles as well as working off of drawings and photographs, according to the palace.
Yeo has painted high-profile subjects, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, actress Nicole Kidman and education activist Malala Yousafzai.
The work was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charles’ membership in The Drapers’ Company. The company funds education initiatives among other philanthropic efforts. The painting will be exhibited from May 16 to June 14 at the Philip Mould Gallery in London.
It will later hang alongside other royal portraits at Drapers’ Hall from the end of August.
