Angela Merkel unveiled an official portrait of herself in Berlin on Tuesday, July 3, 2026, presenting the work to the government gallery [1, 2].
The unveiling marks the conclusion of a months-long artistic collaboration between the former chancellor and the artist, establishing her permanent visual legacy among Germany's heads of government [1].
The portrait was created by Jérémie Queyras, who is 28 years old [1]. The project involved a series of sessions between the subject and the artist, moving between the government quarter and the studio of Queyras in Berlin [1].
During the presentation, Merkel said the process was "about all and sundry" [1]. The collaboration represents a modern addition to the official record of German leadership, a collection that documents the faces of those who have led the nation.
While this specific portrait is now official, reports indicate that Merkel had previously inspired many artists [2]. The selection of a young artist like Queyras for this specific commission highlights a bridge between the established political order and a new generation of European creators [1].
The artwork will now reside in the official portrait gallery, where it will stand alongside other former leaders of the German state [1, 2].
“"about all and sundry"”
The addition of this portrait to the official gallery formalizes the historical record of Merkel's tenure. By commissioning a 28-year-old artist, the former chancellor connects her political legacy with contemporary artistic perspectives, signaling a transition from active governance to historical curation.
