Context:

King Charles III and Queen Camilla unveiled their official coronation portraits, a revered tradition among British monarchs, with positive public reception. Peter Kuhfeld's portrait of King Charles, showcasing him in his coronation regalia, was more favorably received than Jonathan Yeo's previous work, which had sparked controversy. Paul Benney's portrait of Queen Camilla, capturing her in a silk coronation dress, was praised for its photorealism and depth. Both artists have long-standing ties with the royal family, with Kuhfeld attributing his career boost to Charles's patronage since 1986. The portraits aim to balance regality and human elements, reflecting the artists' intent to honor the coronation's historic significance while highlighting personal qualities of the royal figures.

Dive Deeper:

• The new portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, painted by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul Benney respectively, were unveiled, marking a continuation of the royal tradition of coronation portraits. Kuhfeld's portrait of the king, in particular, was designed to portray both human and regal qualities, featuring the king in his coronation regalia with sunlight enhancing the crown's glisten.

• Kuhfeld's artwork received a positive reception, contrasting with the previous controversial portrait by Jonathan Yeo, which depicted King Charles surrounded by a red glow, leading to social media comments likening the image to hellish scenes. This time, social media responses were notably more favorable, with comments appreciating the aesthetic improvements.

• Queen Camilla's portrait by Paul Benney was noted for its almost photorealistic style, capturing her in a silk coronation dress and emphasizing her humanity and empathy. Benney, known for both abstract and realistic works, has a history of royal commissions, including portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Holocaust survivors for Buckingham Palace.

• Both artists have maintained professional relationships with the royal family for decades. Kuhfeld's connection with King Charles dates back to 1986, when he was commissioned to paint the king’s sons, William and Harry, an opportunity that significantly advanced his career.

• The completion of these portraits involved meticulous processes, with Kuhfeld dedicating over a year and a half to his piece, while Benney's work involved multiple sittings with Queen Camilla and access to the coronation crown for accurate depiction. These efforts were intended to capture the grandiose and historic aspects of the coronation, as well as the personal attributes of the subjects.