Life is Art indeed.
Renowned portrait artist Jonathan Yeo has unveiled his latest masterpiece: a strikingly green portrayal of Sir David Attenborough commissioned by the Royal Society. The portrait is set to go on public display on 2 July. Yeo expressed pride in painting the 98-year-old broadcaster, describing him as “an incredible force of nature in every way.”
“He’s got an incredible recall for details of situations and he comes alive when he’s telling stories.”
During their sessions, Attenborough’s admiration influenced the selection of a brownish-green backdrop.
“Attenborough remarked how much he liked it so I kind of went with that.”
The color choice complements the subject and invites interpretation from viewers, according to the BBC. It adds depth to the portrait’s narrative. Yeo’s artistic journey hasn’t been without controversy, notably with his recent portrait of King Charles III receiving mixed reviews.
“It was just bonkers really; there were memes and conspiracy theories.
It was being talked about on the Daily Show and Saturday Night Live,”
Queen Camilla apparently gave her assent, making the unorthodox portrayal a royal sign of approval even in the face of criticism. A significant addition to the Royal Society’s collection is the unveiling of Attenborough’s portrait. The Argus claims that it is on par with scientific titans like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. Attenborough thanked them directly.
“To spend so much of my life looking at the natural world and attempting to convey to others its amazing complexity, beauty and increasingly its fragility has been a great privilege.”
Despite developments in artificial intelligence, Yeo is still positive about the future of portrait painting.
“Fascinating things are happening in that sphere but it is still at the ‘proverbial monkeys with their typewriters’ phase,”
Yeo thinks that present artists shouldn’t be concerned about being replaced anytime soon, even with AI’s potential. Yeo’s green-hued homage to Attenborough is sure to enthrall viewers. It is evidence of the everlasting value of a portrait Yeo thinks that present artists shouldn’t be concerned about being replaced anytime soon, even with AI’s potential. Yeo’s green-hued homage to Attenborough is sure to enthrall viewers. It is evidence of the everlasting value of portraiture as well as the enduring influence of Attenborough’s legacy on environmental consciousness. The Royal Society’s halls will be adorned with Yeo’s image. For years to come, it will also encourage contemplation on the difficulties and beauties of our natural environment.as well as the enduring influence of Attenborough’s legacy on environmental consciousness. The Royal Society’s halls will be adorned with Yeo’s image. For years to come, it will also encourage contemplation on the difficulties and beauties of our natural environment.
Today we are proud to unveil a new portrait of Sir David Attenborough FRS by world-renowned artist Jonathan Yeo, marking 40 years of Sir David's fellowship to the Royal Society and celebrating his brilliant career. https://t.co/Wi9TIXQHee
Image ©Jonathan Yeo Studio. pic.twitter.com/M2RLeCXtjn— The Royal Society (@royalsociety) June 25, 2024
My portrait of #SirDavidAttenborough which was unveiled today @theroyalsociety
It’s been the greatest honour and thrill to paint him, am only sad the sittings are finished and I’ll no longer have an excuse to bask in his brilliant, charismatic and entertaining company pic.twitter.com/kJYSVSGPSN
— Jonathan Yeo (@RealJonathanYeo) June 25, 2024
