To mark the 60th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s reign, the National Museum of Cardiff will exhibit some of the most important portraits of the sovereign, including several photographs.

Any discussion on the representation of British royalty will have to mention Cecil Beaton. Thanks to his privileged access, the brilliant photographer immortalized Queen Elizabeth II like no one before or since: elegant, dreamy, enigmatic, standing at her children’s bedside. These scenes are full of emotion. The Queen also sat for several other talented photographers over the years, with each artist’s sensibility taking part in the evolving representation of the monarch’s public image.

The National Museum of Cardiff’s chronological exhibition gives viewers the chance to rediscover famous pictures of the Queen while examining her image through the styles of each era. Andy
Warhol transformed Elizabeth II into a pop icon, and Dorothy Wilding made her into a religious figure. Justin Mortimer distorts her image with blurs and rectangular shapes, while Chris Levine uses modern technology to coldly depict a Queen of contrasts and accentuated wrinkles, making her seem almost supernatural.

Through the Queen’s stern exterior we occasionally glimpse moments of unreserved and playful complicity with the photographer, moments where she lets down her royal guard. Of all the images revealing her frank and disciplined attitude, only Cecil Beaton could act as a canny troublemaker. Perhaps in the middle of the last century, he had the advantage of youth.

Jonas Cuénin

The Queen: Art and Image
Through April 29, 2012

National Museum of Cardiff
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NP
United Kingdom