Annigoni Expects Lively Debate

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32233, 27 February 1970, Page 14

Annigoni Expects Lively Debate

(A’ Z. Press Association—Copyright/

LONDON, February 26.

A controversial new portrait of the Queen, showing her unsmiling and with marks under her lip and on her left ear, was unveiled in London today.

The Queen, who sat for the artist, Pietro Annigoni. 18: times, attended a ceremony at the National Portrait Gallery to view the finished product, along with hundreds of invited guests.

The stark painting, which goes on public display tomorrow. has drawn such comments as “atrocious." “unflattering," “unfair," and. at best, “interesting."

Annigoni, who painted a rather idealised portrait of the Queen 15 years ago, said> he expected a lively debate; over the new effort. “People change over 15 i years, and the Queen is no exception,” he said. “She is a more mature person today My problem was to try toj blend the human being and the symbol Besides, the artist really tries to reflect! himself. I do not paint fori the public, or even for the client I trv to satisfv mv-; seif.”

In early criticism of th painting, the “Evening News art critic commented: “Sorrj your Majesty. If tins is wha we, your subjects have don to you in 15 years, I can onl apologise deeply—and resolv to do better in future . “As Annigonis chocolatt box monarch of 28, you wer gay, confident and full of lift In his new portrait, all th joy seems to have gone. “Those eyes, once sparklint are worried and sad with tearful hint of a red rim. i seeming reproach to all. "The strain in your fact lined now builds up in draw lips to a haunting vision. “And there is tension ii your arms and neck, a nei vous stance which seems t

■ wait for the inevitable cataj strophe. “It is not the mother of the lively, modern household ’ which we saw in the Royal • i amily film last Christmas ■This is certainly not the smil-, ing lady we have watched or

- met at our great occasions. “Under a lowering grey > sky with a horizon of men--1 acing pink, you stand—a lone figure on a black landscape—- . waiting, one senses, for the • storm to break.”