New ‘iconic’ portrait of the Queen unveiled

The 'expressionist-style' painting was undertaken by Dan Llywelyn Hall, said to be the youngest artist to paint the Queens portrait. Picture: PA

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The painting, by renowned artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, was revealed by the first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union, it shows the Queen sitting in an ornate chair and will go on display at the stadium.

The union described the painting as an “imposing three-quarter study painted on a 5ft by 4ft canvas in an expressionist style”. The 32-year-old painter is believed to be the youngest artist to paint a portrait of the Queen. Hall said he was particularly keen to reflect the humanity of his subject and has named his work Icon.

He said: “To have been granted a sitting with the Queen is an ambition fulfilled and it has been an enormous privilege to be asked to create this work. As anyone who has met Her Majesty will know, it is simply awe- inspiring to be in her presence and I wanted to relay that feeling as well as showing the very human side to the Queen’s personality.”

The portrait was produced in just a few months after Hall held a sitting with the Queen late last year, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

Cardiff-born Hall’s portraits of First World War veterans Henry Allingham and Harry Patch were recently displayed at Windsor Castle and are now a permanent feature in the Royal Collection.

The portrait has been completed in time for celebrations this year marking the 60th anniversary of the coronation, which was held on 2 June, 1953.