Royal Academy of Arts Charles 1 King and Collector exhibition

Royal Academy of Arts Charles 1 King and Collector

What do these images do for you?

Charles 1. King of England Scotland, Ireland and Wales 1625 – 1649.

The power of art as propaganda.

He’s looking out at you, directly into your eyes. How do you feel when you draw yourself in?

Royal Academy of Arts Charles 1 King and Collector

Charles 1 – Divinely appointed protector? Mysterious majesty? Power, strength and security? The head of a state structure providing stability and safety?

The list could go on.

Or

Royal Academy of Arts Charles 1 King and Collector

Charles 1 – Domination and control of subjects (not citizens)? Political and economic isolation and ignorance, thus instability? Privilege and personal wealth yet imposer of taxes? Undemocratic? Causer of war, destitution, starvation and slaughter?

The list could go on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Royal Academy of Arts exhibition Charles 1: King and Collector, is an excellent opportunity to explore your reactions and feelings as a 21 Century citizen to this so iconic a king. Delving deep into the pictures and allowing yourself to identify and question your beliefs, prejudices, perspectives and attitudes, can be a most salutary exercise.

The power of art as propaganda. The power of art to expose our innermost thoughts.