A new portrait of the British monarch has been unveiled, portraying her in full ceremonial garb.
The picture, depicting the 77-year-old in her Order of the Garter robes, was painted by artist Jeff Stultiens to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her coronation. "At the age of eight, I stood in a line of schoolchildren as the newly-crowned Queen passed by in her limousine," he said. "Fifty years later, on the eve of the anniversary of the coronation, I have been given the opportunity to meet the monarch and to make a pictorial testament."
The work was commissioned by Oriel College, Oxford. The prestigious university wanted to pay tribute to the historical links between itself and Britain's oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry.
"The College's foundation in 1326 is roughly contemporary with that of the Order of the Garter in 1348," explained Jeff. "This historical parallel is the principal reason why I requested the Garter robes were worn."
His finished work, which was painted during a series of sittings at Buckingham Palace in February and March, will go on display at Mall Galleries in London next month, before moving on to Oxford.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
