Angela Merkel’s official portrait, painted by young artist Jérémie Queyras, has been unveiled at Berlin’s Bode Museum.

Angela Merkel, Germany’s first female chancellor and a defining figure in modern European politics, has unveiled her official portrait for the Chancellery’s ancestral gallery. The artwork, created by 28-year-old German-French artist Jérémie Queyras, was presented at Berlin’s Bode Museum, where it will remain on display until October 4. The portrait captures Merkel in a blue blazer against a luminous golden background, exuding a sense of calm authority and introspection.

Queyras, a relatively unknown artist from Freiburg, was personally selected by Merkel, defying expectations that she might choose a more established name from the art world. Known for his versatile style, ranging from abstract to figurative, Queyras had never met Merkel before applying for the commission. The former chancellor, intrigued by his fresh perspective and youthful energy, found the collaborative process of creating the portrait as meaningful as the final product itself.

The painting reflects Merkel’s thoughtful approach to her legacy. Standing rather than seated, she opted for a dynamic pose that contrasts with the more static portraits of her predecessors. Her choice of a vibrant blue blazer, a color she associates with strength and statecraft, was deliberate. A personal touch is added with her amber necklace, a cherished memento of her childhood visits to the Baltic Sea. Notably absent, however, is Merkel’s iconic hand gesture, the ‘Merkel rhombus,’ which she felt would be too clichéd.

The decision to commission and fund the portrait herself underscores Merkel’s independent spirit. While the painting will eventually join the Chancellery’s ancestral gallery, she wanted the public to have the opportunity to view it first. This move aligns with her legacy of accessibility and transparency. Visitors to the Bode Museum can now witness the work of a young artist capturing the essence of a leader who shaped Germany and Europe for 16 years.