Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth portrait draws 100,000 visitors

Feb 22, 2013, 16:02 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth has drawn over 100,000 visitors in Canberra, Australia.

The painting of the British Queen at Westminster Abbey in London, by Australian artist Ralph Heimans, was commissioned for her Diamond Jubilee last year and has become the most popular picture at Australia's National Portrait Gallery since it was unveiled in September 2012.

Gallery spokesman Tim Langford said the majestic portrait - which sees the monarch standing in full robes inside the iconic building - is the most asked for and commented on picture they have.

The portrait will hang in the gallery until March, when it will be shipped to England.

Speaking about his work, Ralph said: 'I was the only artist granted a sitting in the Diamond Jubilee year, which I think must say something about the Queen's fondness for Australia.

''I think the fact it was a submission from Australia had a lot to do with the acceptance of the proposal. We [the Queen and I] spoke about Australia and how the painting would be on display here in the National Portrait Gallery.

''I spoke about my concept for the painting and I explained to her where she would be standing and the reason and she was well aware of the significance of it.'

Speaking about the emotion in the painting, he added: ''I am inviting the viewer to imagine what she may be thinking or feeling on reflecting on the past 60 years. It is a very contemplative and reflective mood.''