Although the news is often met with surprise, prominent political figures have indulged in artistic endeavors on the side throughout modern history, from Winston Churchill to George W. Bush to Prince Charles, as we learn in filmmaker Margy Kinmonth's engaging PBS-aired documentary. The artistic inclinations of the Prince of Wales are at the center here: Charles shows off some of his watercolors and talks about how much he appreciates the meditative side of the undertaking (he even discloses that since his time when on tour is so limited, he takes along a painter as part of his entourage to produce a canvas or two recording the journey). Charles also acts as host in presenting sketches and paintings from the archives that display the talents of other royals, including Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, as well as the architectural drawings of King George III, whose supposed madness the Prince touches on with a rare show of irritation. Charles also discusses works in other media, such as the elaborate embroidery of Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century, and the mezzotints (a particularly precise form of printmaking) of Rupert of the Rhine in the 17th. Additional commentary on the artwork and its makers is offered by Sarah Armstrong-Jones, daughter of Princess Margaret and a painter herself, as well as popular authors including Antonia Fraser and Marina Warner. DVD extras include bonus scenes. Sure to appeal to Anglophiles, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Royal Paintbox: Artists of the Royal Family
(2013) 71 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789-044-1. Volume 30, Issue 1
Royal Paintbox: Artists of the Royal Family
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