Controversial New Painting of Kate Middleton Pregnant: Over the Line?
(Photo: AP)
You could call it “Kate Middleton as Virgin Mary: The Next Generation.”
As Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge prepares to give birth a second time, London artist Kaya Mar is at it again, unveiling a controversial new painting of the princess as the Virgin Mary. He did the same thing when Kate gave birth to Prince George two years ago.
In this new version, updated to reflect her second child, Kate still has the halo. But this time she’s accompanied by a donkey and the toddler-sized Prince George.
Artist Kaya Mar displayed his new painting outside the hospital where Kate’s due to give birth. (Photo: AP)
The 2013 version, also unveiled just before Prince George’s birth, displayed the princess with a halo and wearing a torn sock breast feeding the heir to the throne. That painting was was widely criticized, with the word “creepy” frequently popping up in reviews.
At the time, Mar told Yahoo, “It’s satire… I don’t have anything against Kate Middleton, but I’m using her as a metaphor for how our society elevates people into icons. Before she met William, she was a commoner. Now, people worship her.”
Creepy? You be the judge of this Kate Middleton painting. (Photo: AP)
Now with his new painting, Mar has added to the pantheon of controversial royal depictions. There’ve been quite a few in recent years (and, in what is a sign of progress, none has resulted in beheadings). Here are a few:
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, 2013
(Photo: AP)
Yes, Kate’s found herself the subject of less than flattering portraits before. In 2013 a portrait by Paul Emsley displayed the princess with lines, bags under her eyes, and a general look critics said aged her a good ten years. Emsley’s said it was the Duchess’ request to be “portrayed naturally.” She obviously wasn’t offended; Buckingham Palace said she liked the painting.
Prince William, 2014
(Photo: Getty Images)
This painting of Kate’s husband Prince William — “Fatherhood,” by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall — wasn’t well received when it was unveiled last year. It even caused one critic to question the whole genre: “I’m afraid the days of really great royal painters are well over.” At least someone liked it; it was snapped up by an anonymous overseas buyer.
Queen Elizabeth II, 2001
(Photo: Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II has been portrayed in countless paintings over the years, not all of which went over well. Lucian Freud’s 2001 painting of the Queen had its share of detractors. The tabloids teed off on it; The Sun labeled it a "travesty” and opined that “Freud should be locked in the Tower for this.“ The Telegraph called it "extremely unflattering” and the Times wrote, “The chin has what can only be described as a six-o'clock shadow, and the neck would not disgrace a rugby prop forward.” God Save the Queen indeed!
Princess Diana, 1996
(Photo: AP)
This painting of Prince Williams’ late mother — Diana, Princess of Wales— raised some eyebrows when it was unveiled in 1996, the year before her tragic death. It portrayed Diana as the Goddess Fortuna. But what had people talking was Diana’s revealing attire; critics objected to depictions of a “half naked” princess.
Being part of the royal family certainly has its perks, but it’s not the completely carefree life some fans paint it out to be.
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