The state portrait of The Queen (b. 1926) 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.

Provenance

Commissioned by HM Queen Elizabeth II

Creator(s)

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Sir Herbert James Gunn (1893-1964) (artist)

Commissioner(s)

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HM Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926)

Subject(s)

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HM Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926)

Medium & Techniques

Oil on canvas

oil paint, canvas

Measurements

244.5 x 152.9 cm (support, canvas/panel/str external)

256.4 x 177.6 x 9.0 cm (frame, external)

Object categorie(s)

• Paintings

Object type(s)

• visual works
  • paintings

• Social sciences
  • Ethnology
    • Costume & National dress
      • Ceremonial Costume
        • Coronation robes
• Science, Medicine and Technology
  • Industries, Crafts and Trades
    • Jewellery
      • Diadems
      • Crowns

Alternative titles

Elizabeth II (1926- )

State Portrait of H.M. The Queen