KING'S PORTRAIT.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18525, 29 October 1925, Page 9

KING'S PORTRAIT.

SENT TO AMERICA FOR SALE. (by cable—mess association—corrniGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN ASD N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) LONDON, October 27. Art circles are surprised at tho announcement that Mr Charles Sims's portrait of the King lias been removed from tho Royal Academy and sent to America for sale. This incident is an echo of tho wide divergence of opinion expressed -when the picturo was hung at the lloyal Academy lass year. Mr Sims replied to criticism then to the effect that the idea was to make an accurate representation of the King, which had not been done for many years. Ho declared that most portraits showed his Majesty as a young man with a brown beard, though he was no longer young. Mr Kims said the features exhibited qualities! of kingship consistent with tho weight of responsibility of such a position. H© contended that if lie had painted tho King with a smile it would have removed his dignity. Critics say that the removal of tha picture is tho result of a divergence of opinion in tho Academy Council. Some condemn, others defend, the portrait, the latter pointing out that the only objection is that the legs are tea thin. The president of the Academy says that Mr Sims was not asked to withdraw tho picture. He did so voluntarily rather than allow the controversy to continue. He points out in defence of Mr Sims that the artist painting Eoyalty has not the opportunity to demand as many sittings a 9 in other cases.