Queen Elizabeth II (painting)

Queen Elizabeth II is a painting of the British monarch by British-Canadian artist Henry Ward. Its full title is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Founder of the British Red Cross Henri Dunant.[1][3] Painted in secret in Canada, it was unveiled by the Queen at Windsor Castle in October 2016 and commemorates the Queen's 60-year role as the patron of the British Red Cross.[4]

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Founder of the British Red Cross Henri Dunant
ArtistHenry Ward
Year2016
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions250 cm (100 in × 80[1] in)
LocationSavoy Hotel[2], London

Background

Ward was chosen to prepare the portrait as he is a long-standing supporter of the British Red Cross. The painting was influenced by previous royal portraitists including Anthony van Dyck and Joshua Reynolds.[5] Ward painted the portrait in secret in his converted garage studio in Burlington, Ontario, using reference photographs from a two-hour session at Windsor Castle's White Drawing Room. He later remarked that passers-by would occasionally catch a glance at the work in progress and be surprised.[6]

Features

In the portrait, Ward attempted to show the links between the charity and royalty[5] through the blue Order of the Garter robes, the diamond bracelet and tiara, which were owned by the British Red Cross's first royal patron, Queen Alexandra (consort of Edward VII), and in the background a bust of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross.[6]

Ward wanted to show an authentic portrayal of the Queen in her 90s. He later said, "I wanted a strong queen in my portrait, a queen of warmth but also of reserve."[6]

Unveiling

The painting was unveiled at Windsor Castle on 14 October 2016, by the Queen.[7] The following month the first public viewing was planned at the Carlton Towers Hotel, Knightsbridge.[3] It was then put on permanent display at the Savoy Hotel.[2]

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See also

References
  1. "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the founder of the British Red Cross Henri Dunant". henryliamward.com. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  2. "Her Majesty The Queen, on permanent display in the Thames Foyer of the Savoy Hotel in London, from November 2018". henryliamward.com. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  3. "Portrait Artist Describes Queen as "Awe Inspiring"". Royal Gazette. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  4. "Queen unveils portrait marking British Red Cross role". BBC News. 14 October 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  5. Jobson, Robert (14 October 2016). "The Queen unveils Henry Ward portrait to mark 60 years as British Red Cross patron". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  6. "Painted secretly in Canada, Queen's new Official Portrait is Unveiled". Montreal Gazette. 14 October 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  7. "The Queen views a portrait of herself by British artist Henry Ward". The Daily Telegraph. 15 October 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
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