Ushering in the King Charles III era in portraiture and public image

Reporters covering the transition of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait to King Charles III image on things such as money, stamps and official government offices, please see comments from Romita Ray, associate professor of art history at Sryacuse University.

Professor Ray, who specializes in the art and architecture of the British Empire in India and teaches European art and architecture of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.

She is currently working with students to examine and discuss the different aspects of Queen Elizabeth II’s official coronation portrait.

“It is fascinating to see how, in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s demise, the iconography of the British royal family has now been extended through the image of King Charles III,” said Ray. “The power of royal iconography relies on the endurance of royal portraits—those visual representations laden with emblems like the crown and scepter. The Royal Mint recently unveiled a commemorative coin adorned with the head of King Charles. The word ‘Rex,’ meaning ‘reigning king,’ sits just above Charles’s head, standing in for the crown that the late queen wore and with which he too will be coronated.”

Reporters who want to interview Professor Ray, please contact Ellen James Mbuqe, executive director of media relations at Syracuse University, at 412-496-0551 or ejmbuqe@syr.edu.