King Charles III and Queen Camilla Unveil State Portraits at National Gallery
On the second anniversary of their coronation, King Charles III and Queen Camilla unveiled new state portraits at the National Gallery in London, aligning with both royal tradition and contemporary art sensibilities. Charles appeared in regal state attire adorned with naval medals beside the Imperial State Crown, while Camilla was depicted in her sumptuous coronation gown, accentuated by the Robe of Estate.
The tradition of British royal portraiture traces back to the early 1600s, with King James VI and I’s coronation portrait being the first example. These majestic, full-length images, rich in royal symbolism such as the crown and orb, serve to commemorate significant coronations. Historically, while robes are typical, some monarchs, including Edward VII, opted for military attire. The last notable portrait before Charles was that of Queen Elizabeth II in her 1953 coronation robes painted by Herbert James Gunn.
The portraits, created by artists Peter Kuhfeld for Charles and Paul S. Benney for Camilla, received acclaim during the unveiling, indicative of their role in shaping public memory and continuity of the monarchy. Following their display at the National Gallery, the portraits are set to be housed at Buckingham Palace.
Portraiture is not exclusive to the British royal family; it also serves significant roles globally. In the U.S., presidential portraits are traditionally unveiled after a president leaves office, while in India, the Presidential Portrait Gallery showcases individual legacies through artworks by renowned artists. These portraits symbolize not only power but also the evolving nature of leadership and collective memory across cultures.
As the royal couple steps confidently into a new era, their captivating portraits invite the public to reflect on centuries of tradition intertwined with modern artistic expression.
Source
Photo credit www.financialexpress.com
