Julian Calder

Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of the Chiefs (1926 - 2022)

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About this artwork

In this imposing portrait Queen Elizabeth II is presented as Sovereign of The Order of The Thistle. The Order dates from the 17th century and recognises individuals who have contributed significantly to national life. Her Majesty was photographed wearing the robes of the Order and insignia bearing the emblem of the thistle (the national flower of Scotland). Evoking the great 19th-century paintings of Sir Henry Raeburn, this is a formal portrait set against a highland backdrop. The photograph was taken by the Gelder Burn on the Balmoral estate.

Updated September 2022

  • artist:
    Julian Calder (born 1945) British
  • title:
    Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of the Chiefs (1926 - 2022)
  • date created:
    Photographed 2010; printed 2013
  • materials:
    Chromogenic print
  • measurements:
    132.08 x 203.2 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bought with the aid of the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland 2013
  • accession number:
    PGP 858
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • subject:
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Julian Calder

Julian Calder