All articles tagged with #royal portraits
Tatler's July 2024 cover features a portrait of Kate Middleton by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor, the third royal portrait commissioned by the magazine in three years. Previous portraits included Queen Elizabeth and King Charles III. The portrait has received mixed reactions online, with some criticizing its representation of the Princess of Wales.
The history of retouching royal portraits dates back to Queen Victoria's time, with examples including slimming waistlines and smoothing wrinkles. Recent scrutiny of Catherine, Princess of Wales, for altering photographs has brought attention to the long-standing practice of manipulating royal portraits. Historians note that heavy retouching was commonplace before the digital age, with photographers using various techniques to enhance the images of royals. Even Queen Victoria herself altered a portrait by scratching her face out of it. The tradition of retouching continued into the 20th century, with renowned photographer Cecil Beaton skillfully enhancing royal portraits to create idealized images.