King Charles’ portrait reigns over social media for a ‘creepy’ reason

In the ever-evolving landscape of public opinion, images of public figures often spark widespread discussion and debate.

Recently, a portrait of a prominent figure has captivated social media, stirring both admiration and controversy.

This portrait has ignited a heated conversation, with many expressing strong reactions to its depiction.


The unveiling of King Charles' first official portrait since his coronation sparked a whirlwind of reactions across social media, with many users finding the depiction unsettling and 'disturbing'.

The artwork, crafted by renowned artist Jonathan Yeo, breaks away from conventional royal portraiture.

It presents the monarch amidst a vivid backdrop of red and orange hues, accompanied by a butterfly perched on his shoulder.


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King Charles unveiled his first official portrait post-coronation, painted by Jonathan Yeo. Credits: Instagram / @jonathanyeo


The portrait, which was originally commissioned in 2020 to commemorate King Charles' 50 years of service to The Drapers’ Company, a charitable institution, was revealed at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, May 14, and will be etched in the annals of royal history.

Yeo had the honour of four sittings with the King, the first of which occurred while he was still the Prince of Wales, with the final sitting taking place in November 2023 at Clarence House.


Dressed in the uniform of the Welsh Guards, a division he has been associated with since 1975 when he was appointed Regimental Colonel, the portrait captured a significant moment in time for the King.

‘It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty the King, the first to be unveiled since his coronation,’ Yeo stated.

‘When I started this project, His Majesty…was still His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and, 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.’

‘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.’

‘I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King,’ he added.


Despite the artist's noble intentions, the portrait's reception on social media was mixed, with some users finding the colour palette particularly ‘creepy’.

Someone commented that the King must have asked the artist to ‘paint me in a portal to hell’.

‘I would have loved this if it was any other colour than red. He really captured the essence of him in the face but the harshness of the red doesn’t match the softness of his expression,’ another pointed out.

‘Is this a joke or for real?’ a third asked.

‘The bloody monarch,’ someone else said.

Others were more blunt, labelling the artwork as ‘creepy’, ‘a little disturbing’, and likening it to ‘bathing in blood’.

The portrait, destined to adorn the walls of London's Drapers’ Hall, certainly captured the public's attention, igniting conversations about the role of modern art in royal representation and the subjective nature of aesthetic appreciation.


After causing a stir with the release of a controversial portrait, King Charles once again captured the public's attention, this time with a regal makeover to Australian currency.

The disturbing portrayal of the King sparked widespread discussion online, drawing both criticism and fascination.

Now, with the unveiling of a new coin featuring King Charles, Australians are getting a closer look at the monarch's representation in popular culture.

This latest development offers a glimpse into how the King's image is being portrayed across various mediums, from art to currency.
Key Takeaways
  • King Charles revealed his first official portrait since his coronation in 2023, which many are calling ‘disturbing’.
  • Jonathan Yeo's portrait featured red and orange shades and a butterfly on the King's shoulder.
  • The painting was originally commissioned to celebrate the former Prince of Wales' 50 years with The Drapers’ Company.
  • The artwork was met with strong reactions on social media, with comments describing it as ‘creepy’ and like ‘a portal to hell’.
  • The portrait will be displayed in London’s Drapers’ Hall.
What are your thoughts on this latest addition to the royal gallery? Does it strike you as a bold step into modernity, or does it cross the line into the realm of the macabre? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below!
 
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It is a wonderful likeness of King Charles BUT the red background is absolutely horrid and definitely creepy reminding one of blood. I don't think it should be hung anywhere
 
I actually like it…a little different from the “sit and pose” we have become accustomed too!!
It suits King Charles individual nature, a little quirky…
Let’s hope we see more paintings in the future as individual as this…bring it on!!!
 
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I'm amazed at the comments! It's a fabulous portrait, and a very good (and gentle) likeness of Charles. The impressionistic style is a brilliant change from the uniformed military and political type we usually get, and the red colour not only captures our attention, but leads us unerringly to the beautifully drawn and delineated facial features. Why anyone would find it 'creepy', 'awful', 'half-finished' or 'macabre' is honestly way beyond me, and no, Madam, I certainly don't think your "3-year-old grandson could do better"!!
 
I'm amazed at the comments! It's a fabulous portrait, and a very good (and gentle) likeness of Charles. The impressionistic style is a brilliant change from the uniformed military and political type we usually get, and the red colour not only captures our attention, but leads us unerringly to the beautifully drawn and delineated facial features. Why anyone would find it 'creepy', 'awful', 'half-finished' or 'macabre' is honestly way beyond me, and no, Madam, I certainly don't think your "3-year-old grandson could do better"!!
👍
 
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I'm amazed at the comments! It's a fabulous portrait, and a very good (and gentle) likeness of Charles. The impressionistic style is a brilliant change from the uniformed military and political type we usually get, and the red colour not only captures our attention, but leads us unerringly to the beautifully drawn and delineated facial features. Why anyone would find it 'creepy', 'awful', 'half-finished' or 'macabre' is honestly way beyond me, and no, Madam, I certainly don't think your "3-year-old grandson could do better"!!
i agree with you.
 
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Bright Red (a.k.a. Royal Purple) is something Draper's would recognise as symbolic for the king.

I imagine that was part of the reason for the choice.

Definitely not to my taste, but a lot better than many portraits I have seen in the Archibald contest.
so many have their taste in their mouth.
 
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Got that right.
By inverting the painting, and creating a butterfly image, we get a depiction of the Baphomet - a satanic deity.

King Charles is right up the fundamental oriface of the WEF/NWO, and wants to assist in creating one world religion.
In so doing, he is a TRAITOR to his station.

He is the legitimate head of the Church of England, and NOTHING to do with the Ecumenical movement to unite the world with the Pope as the head.

Charles took an oath to defend the Church of England, and stand against the Pope.
(Well he was supposed to. But when he took the oath, he was concealed behind a screen, so we may have to take that as a given.)

This will include Muslim, Hindu. Christian - (Catholic and Protestant) and anyone who wants to hang around and join in.
Bit of an overreaction to comments/discussion on an artwork. I think the purpose of this forum is to discuss the merits of the portraiture. Good or bad. If you want to promote your opinions on religion and conspiracy theories etc? Can I suggest that you share your opinions on relevant formats that are more suited to your beliefs. I am sure you will find many people who will have similar opinions to yourself. Share it with your cohorts. Keep it relevant.
 
It looks terrible. I'd be horrified if I was King Charles.. it's making a mockery of the Royal Family 😱
 

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