The Royal Portrait
Image and Impact
SIR HERBERT JAMES GUNN (1893-1964)
Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) in Coronation Robes
c. 1953-56Oil on canvas | 244.5 x 152.9 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404386
Full-length, standing, in Coronation dress and robe, facing slightly to the left. Queen Elizabeth II is wearing the George IV diadem and is holding the sceptre in her right hand which rests, with the Imperial State Crown, on a table to the left.
The state portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was commissioned to commemorate Her Majesty's Coronation, which took place on 2 June 1953. Wearing her coronation dress and the purple Robe of Estate, The Queen stands in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Her robe falls over the throne specially made for the occasion and the Imperial State Crown and the sceptre are placed on the table beside her. The Queen wears the Diamond Diadem made for George IV, Queen Victoria's collet diamond necklace and diamond drop earrings, and the Collar and Badge of the Order of the Garter.
Her Majesty's dress, made of white satin, was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, The Queen's principal dressmaker. The embroidery design incorporates national and Commonwealth emblems executed in seed pearls, crystals, coloured silks and gold and silver thread. The decoration on the robe comprises a border of wheat ears and olive branches, symbolising peace and plenty. It was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, who worked for a total of 3,500 hours between March and May 1953.
The state portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was commissioned to commemorate Her Majesty's Coronation, which took place on 2 June 1953. Wearing her coronation dress and the purple Robe of Estate, The Queen stands in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Her robe falls over the throne specially made for the occasion and the Imperial State Crown and the sceptre are placed on the table beside her. The Queen wears the Diamond Diadem made for George IV, Queen Victoria's collet diamond necklace and diamond drop earrings, and the Collar and Badge of the Order of the Garter.
Her Majesty's dress, made of white satin, was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, The Queen's principal dressmaker. The embroidery design incorporates national and Commonwealth emblems executed in seed pearls, crystals, coloured silks and gold and silver thread. The decoration on the robe comprises a border of wheat ears and olive branches, symbolising peace and plenty. It was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, who worked for a total of 3,500 hours between March and May 1953.
