This photograph of the Queen, which was used as an official Jubilee portrait, was actually taken in July 1893, on the occasion of the wedding of the future King George V and Queen Mary. In its portrayal of the Queen it is in strong contrast to the photograph by Mullins, which is a dignified but very touching portrait of an old lady, the light in the left background giving an impression of coming peace and tranquillity. Downey's portrait shows a Queen Empress, Sovereign of a vast Empire: in this picture the light is concentrated on the Queen herself as she gazes into the distance. This photograph is closely related to traditional painted state portraits.