Queen Elizabeth II
5 - 5 Dec 2001Chromogenic print | 48.5 x 40.0 cm (sight) | RCIN 2999948
A head and shoulders photographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II taken at Buckingham Palace. The Queen is photographed against a gold background and wears a three-strand pearl necklace, a diamond star brooch and a blue dress suit.
To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, ten photographers from across the Commonwealth were invited to create a portfolio of new portraits of the monarch. Each photographer was granted a single sitting of no more than five minutes.
Melbourne-born Polly Borland’s skill has been described as capturing that split-second moment when the sitter has dropped their guard and softened their face. Borland said, ‘I wanted a more modern take … something a bit pop art. I asked for the Queen to dress in her crown, with all the glitter and gold. When that wasn’t possible, I decided I’d take my own gold background.’
To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, ten photographers from across the Commonwealth were invited to create a portfolio of new portraits of the monarch. Each photographer was granted a single sitting of no more than five minutes.
Melbourne-born Polly Borland’s skill has been described as capturing that split-second moment when the sitter has dropped their guard and softened their face. Borland said, ‘I wanted a more modern take … something a bit pop art. I asked for the Queen to dress in her crown, with all the glitter and gold. When that wasn’t possible, I decided I’d take my own gold background.’