A Tale of Two Portraits: A Masterpiece is Made, Not Taken

In 2022, the first-ever official joint portrait of Prince William and Catherine was unveiled. As a cultural moment, it was meant to define a new generation of royalty. As an artwork, it revealed a profound truth about the state of modern portraiture: a quiet “race to the bottom” where technical proficiency has replaced true mastery.

The reaction from the art world was immediate. Critics described the work as “stiff,” “airless,” and like “a glossy PR photo.” As detailed in a scathing review by the art journal Hyperallergic, the portrait was seen by many as a missed opportunity—a work that felt lifeless despite the artist’s skill.

This confirms a disconnect I have observed for years. There is a vast difference between a portrait that is taken from a photo and one that is made through a genuine human connection. The video below explores this crucial distinction.

The Royal Portrait: A Study in Disconnection

As I state in the video, the portrait exhibits the clear signs of an artist forced to interpret snapshots rather than a living person. There is an emotional disconnect in the expressions and a subtle but noticeable anatomical distortion, particularly in Prince William’s proportions. This is the inevitable result when an artist has to guess at emotion and form. The quality suffers due to factors independent of true artistry—be it politics, connections, or simply a flawed process.

“Madame Tex”: A Return to the Master’s Method

By contrast, my portrait “Madame Tex” was created using a fundamentally different philosophy. It is a direct continuation of the master’s tradition, where the portrait session is a slow, deliberate, and collaborative conversation. My competitive advantage is my ability to connect with a subject on a deep emotional level. I use a specialized view camera that allows me to capture the actual, authentic image in-person, giving me everything I need to do my artistry on my own time while ensuring the subject’s true emotional statement is preserved.

Choosing Artistry, Dignity, and Excellence

This comparison isn’t about one artist versus another. It is about two opposing philosophies. One accepts the modern shortcut, while the other is an unwavering commitment to the timeless principles of artistry, dignity, and excellence. For those investing in a 200-year legacy, understanding this difference is everything.

Go Deeper.

This case study is a glimpse into the strategic thinking that informs every commission. To understand the full arc of the artistic journey that led to “Madame Tex”—from the B&W masters to the painterly color of Sargent—we invite you to read our cornerstone article:

Read More: “A Master’s Journey: From Karsh’s Light to the Modern ‘Madame Tex’

For those ready to begin building their own legacy, you can get the complete framework by downloading the private briefing or scheduling a one-on-one consultation.