Two new paintings, commissioned to mark Their Majesties' Coronation in 2023, have been unveiled by The King and Queen at the National Gallery.
The portraits, which will form part of the Royal Collection, were painted by two different artists personally selected by Their Majesties. His Majesty chose to be painted by Peter Kuhfeld and Queen Camilla selected Paul S. Benney. Both artists are known to The King and Queen already, having previously contributed to other royal commissions.
These portraits will join an important tradition of Coronation State Portraits dating back many centuries. The new portraits will be on display in the Central Room at the National Gallery, of which The King is Royal Patron, from Tuesday 6th May until Thursday 5th June before moving to their permanent home in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. They can be seen there as part of a visit during the Summer Opening of the State Rooms.
The recently completed portraits were commissioned by The King and Queen shortly after The Coronation, with Their Majesties undertaking a number of sittings in the following months.
Peter Kuhfeld has worked with His Majesty for many years, having been commissioned by him to paint Princes William and Harry as young children. He has also accompanied him on many of his foreign tours as the official Tour Artist.
Following established convention, the portrait of King includes the Imperial State Crown, placed on a table to one side. His Majesty wears his Robe of State, worn to enter the Abbey and for the first part of The Coronation service. His Majesty also wears naval uniform (Number 1 Ceremonial Day Dress) with medals and decorations.
The Queen’s portrait includes Queen Camilla’s Crown (formally known as Queen Mary’s Crown), originally created for the coronation of Queen Mary in 1911. The Queen is shown with her Robe of Estate. This was worn during the latter part of The Coronation ceremony, as The King and Queen departed Westminster Abbey.
The Queen wears her Coronation Dress, which was designed by Bruce Oldfield. Made of ivory coloured silk, it features silver and gold embroidered floral designs, representing Their Majesties’ affection for nature.
All six of The Queen’s sittings took place in the Garden Room at Clarence House.
Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.
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