The Portrait
Synopsis
Phil Richards received a letter from the Queen's representative, marking the beginning of his commission to paint her official portrait for the Diamond Jubilee.
Synopsis
Phil Richards receives a letter from Buckingham Palace inviting him to paint Queen Elizabeth II's official portrait for her Diamond Jubilee. Over several months, Academy Award-nominated director Hubert Davis follows Richards as he works to capture the Queen's likeness. Richards reflects on the challenges of portraiture while aiming to connect the audience with the monarch on a personal level. The film documents the emotional weight and artistic process behind this significant commission.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Phil Richards' artistic journey to paint Queen Elizabeth II.
- Find out how Richards connects viewers to the Queen personally.
- Meet an artist who believes figurative painting is still relevant.
- Watch the emotional unveiling of the Queen's portrait.
Did You Know
- Phil Richards received a letter from the Queen's representative for the portrait.
- Richards has been doing commissioned portraits for about 40 years.
- He believes he has never fully matched his mind's eye image with the final painting.
- Richards describes Queen Elizabeth II as an iconic figure and an enigmatic personal character.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Phil Richards' first commissioned portrait?
Phil Richards did his first commissioned portrait about 40 years ago.
What did Queen Elizabeth II declare about her life?
Queen Elizabeth II declared that her whole life, whether long or short, shall be devoted to the service of her people and the great imperial family.
What is Phil Richards' goal when painting a portrait of the Queen?
Phil Richards wants the end results to allow the viewer to connect with the Queen on a personal level, not just a ceremonial one.
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