The Queen's Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait

[The Hen]

In centuries past, royal artists portrayed monarchs as grand, imposing and often rather stern.

But the latest portrait of the Queen pictures her in a moment of quiet reflection as she stands on the spot in Westminster Abbey where she was crowned 60 years ago.

Artist Ralph Heimans said he sought to capture 'her humanity' in the 9ft by 11ft portrait, commissioned by the Palace to mark the Diamond Jubilee. 

Her majesty posed for an hour-long sitting in The Yellow Drawing Room, at Buckingham Palace, in March.

Mr Heimans then imagined the dramatic backdrop – the Sacrarium at Westminster Abbey, also known as The Coronation Theatre.

She stands on the Cosmati pavement – a spot where every English monarch has been crowned since it was commissioned by Henry III in the 13th century.

Mr Heimans, said: 'I hope there is a degree of humanity uncommon in traditional Royal portraits. 

'I wanted her expression to be open to interpretation so that people could imagine what she was thinking at that moment, but I think there is a sense of tenderness and soulfulness, as well as nostalgia and contemplation.


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I think he achieved what he aimed for.

[Gob]

I think it's beautiful.

[Gob]

We saw the portrait on Sunday, it's on tour of the Commonwealth, and currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery which is just down the road from us.

It's an astounding piece of work, very brooding and melancholy. But it's still beautiful for all that.

We also popped over to the National Galleryand saw the Sydney Long exhibition. His landscapes were awe inspiring.

[The Hen]

It is glorious.

It will be a seminal portrait of her Madge. One I am very taken with.

[TPFKA@W]

It's so detailed it is as if it were a photo. Very wow.