"I Know Art Is Subjective But..." - Kate Middleton's New Portrait Sparks Divided Reactions

A new portrait of the Princess of Wales, commissioned to mark her 40th birthday, has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning the artist's interpretation of the royal.

By  William Harris  

image credit: pinterest.com

The portrait, painted by renowned artist Jamie Coreth, depicts Kate Middleton in a flowing, ethereal gown, her hair cascading down her shoulders in a natural wave. While some have praised the artist's skill and the captivating beauty of the piece, others have voiced their dissatisfaction, claiming the portrait bears little resemblance to the Princess.
"I know art is subjective, but this looks nothing like the Princess of Wales," one user commented on Twitter. "The features are all off, and the overall feel is just...weird."
Another echoed this sentiment, saying, "I'm all for artistic license, but this is just too far. It's like they tried to paint her as someone else entirely."

image credit: reddit.com

The controversy highlights the inherent subjectivity of art and the power of public perception. While some viewers may perceive the portrait as a beautiful and evocative piece, others may feel it fails to capture the essence of its subject.

image credit: reddit.com

It's worth noting that the portrait is not the first commissioned work of the Princess of Wales to face criticism. In 2016, a portrait by Paul Emsley was met with an equally mixed response, with many deeming it "unflattering" and "unrealistic."
This latest controversy raises questions about the role of art in depicting public figures. Is it the artist's responsibility to create a faithful representation, or are they free to interpret their subject as they see fit?
Regardless of individual interpretations, the new portrait certainly serves as a reminder that beauty, like art, is in the eye of the beholder.