The Queen at 81, just like her mother
By REBECCA ENGLISH
2nd May 2007
She made her name photographing rock and roll royalty.
But given the assignment of capturing genuine royalty on film, Annie Leibovitz faced a new challenge.
So she wisely turned to the past for inspiration. And the portrait of the Queen which resulted is a striking study of serenity.
Beaton's portrait of the Queen Mother (left) and Leibovitz's similar picture of her daughter the Queen
Published for the first time today ahead of the Queen’s state visit to the U.S., the picture bears an uncanny resemblance to the work of Cecil Beaton.
Beaton, the Queen Mother’s favourite photographer, was renowned for the way he placed his subjects in regal surroundings yet managed to capture their human side.
Portrait of a monarch: The atmospheric picture of the Queen taken by Anne Leibovitz in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace
Miss Leibovitz chose to seat her subject in the opulent White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen’s pale gold brocade dress, white fur stole and magnificent collection of jewellery emphasise her status — the diamond tiara was a wedding present for her grandmother, Queen Mary, while her pearl drop earrings were given to Queen Victoria (her great-great-grandmother) when she was 19.
The way in which she gazes wistfully out of the window across the palace gardens, however, hints at a gentler, more fallible side.
That essence of humanity is emphasised by the atmospheric lighting and storm clouds gathering outside.
At a recent palace reception Miss Leibovitz, who is perhaps best known for her photograph of a naked John Lennon hugging a fully-clothed Yoko Ono, admitted Beaton was an inspiration.
"I like tradition. Cecil Beaton’s pictures — they’re very important to me," she said.
Of her own photograph, which was commissioned to mark the Queen’s six-day trip to the U.S., she added: "I feel like it’s a documentation and want to take a very simple portrait."
READERS' COMMENTS
She looks wonderful, this woman has given Britain her whole life, I think she is out of this world as a person and a queen.
- Linda, (USA)
------------------
Outstanding portrait! We look forward to having Queen Elizabeth here to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with us.
Welcome and enjoy!
- Anne R, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
----------------
A grand portrait of a grand lady. God bless her.
- H. William Winstanley, Runcorn, Cheshire
---------------
This is a perfect photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She is a figure to look up to and represent the United Kingdom, Head of the Commonwealth. I am looking forward to her visit to USA. The history of USA has many links with UK and are our distant cousins.
- Geraldine Caruana, Chatham, UK
----------------
The Queen looks absolutely beautiful in this photograph. Every bit as regal and elegant as a Queen should be!
- Amy, Lancaster County, PA, USA
---------------
Your Majesty look's stunning and much credit to Ms.Leivobitz and her incredible gift of photography...
- Vonda Millar, New York, New York
dailymail.co.uk
By REBECCA ENGLISH
2nd May 2007
She made her name photographing rock and roll royalty.
But given the assignment of capturing genuine royalty on film, Annie Leibovitz faced a new challenge.
So she wisely turned to the past for inspiration. And the portrait of the Queen which resulted is a striking study of serenity.
Beaton's portrait of the Queen Mother (left) and Leibovitz's similar picture of her daughter the Queen
Published for the first time today ahead of the Queen’s state visit to the U.S., the picture bears an uncanny resemblance to the work of Cecil Beaton.
Beaton, the Queen Mother’s favourite photographer, was renowned for the way he placed his subjects in regal surroundings yet managed to capture their human side.
Portrait of a monarch: The atmospheric picture of the Queen taken by Anne Leibovitz in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace
Miss Leibovitz chose to seat her subject in the opulent White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen’s pale gold brocade dress, white fur stole and magnificent collection of jewellery emphasise her status — the diamond tiara was a wedding present for her grandmother, Queen Mary, while her pearl drop earrings were given to Queen Victoria (her great-great-grandmother) when she was 19.
The way in which she gazes wistfully out of the window across the palace gardens, however, hints at a gentler, more fallible side.
That essence of humanity is emphasised by the atmospheric lighting and storm clouds gathering outside.
At a recent palace reception Miss Leibovitz, who is perhaps best known for her photograph of a naked John Lennon hugging a fully-clothed Yoko Ono, admitted Beaton was an inspiration.
"I like tradition. Cecil Beaton’s pictures — they’re very important to me," she said.
Of her own photograph, which was commissioned to mark the Queen’s six-day trip to the U.S., she added: "I feel like it’s a documentation and want to take a very simple portrait."
READERS' COMMENTS
She looks wonderful, this woman has given Britain her whole life, I think she is out of this world as a person and a queen.
- Linda, (USA)
------------------
Outstanding portrait! We look forward to having Queen Elizabeth here to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with us.
Welcome and enjoy!
- Anne R, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
----------------
A grand portrait of a grand lady. God bless her.
- H. William Winstanley, Runcorn, Cheshire
---------------
This is a perfect photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She is a figure to look up to and represent the United Kingdom, Head of the Commonwealth. I am looking forward to her visit to USA. The history of USA has many links with UK and are our distant cousins.
- Geraldine Caruana, Chatham, UK
----------------
The Queen looks absolutely beautiful in this photograph. Every bit as regal and elegant as a Queen should be!
- Amy, Lancaster County, PA, USA
---------------
Your Majesty look's stunning and much credit to Ms.Leivobitz and her incredible gift of photography...
- Vonda Millar, New York, New York
dailymail.co.uk
I do. However, one must remember that she ( the queen) was born into that cycle of circumstance and priviledge. She knows no other way of life, has not, nor ever will, experience what it is like to live as a normal human being. She cannot change the way her life runs, nor abdicate, yet she knows the writing is on the wall for the future of the monarchy. Let's let her bow out gracefully.
