PORTRAIT OF THE KING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXII, Issue 57, 5 May 1924, Page 5

PORTRAIT OF THE KING

PRESS CRITICISM.

Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N. 7. Cable Association. London May 3.

The Dally Express states the problem picture of the Academy is undoubtedly Charles Sims' astounding portrait of the King. Overseas visitors will doubtless denounce it. No one will quarrel with the rendering of the magnificent robes of the Order of the Garter, but the expression In the King's eyes is that of a short-sighted man who mislaid his spectacles. The features are pale and undistinguishable, and the face gives an impression of weariness and dejection.

In extenuation it is explained that the King could not spare the time to sit in full dress and Mr Sims painted from two or three sketches made during a short sitting at Buckingham Palace, while the rolves, arms and legs were painted from models. It is astonishing that a picture painted under such handicaps should have been given the place of honour in the Academy.

THE PAINTER'S REPLY

DIGNITY OF A KING.

(Received 10.5 a.m.) London, May 4

Sims, replying to criticisms of the King's portrait, says his idea was to take an accurate representation of the King, which had not been done for many years. , "Most of the portraits show him as a young man with a brown beard. He is no longer young. His features exhibit qualities of kingship, with the weight and responsibility of such a position as lie holds. If painted with a smile, all dignity would have been removed."