A poignant reflection of Angela Merkel's enduring legacy has been unveiled in Berlin, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and reign of a leader who defined European politics for nearly two decades. Painted by 28-year-old artist Jérémie Queyras, the portrait – now on display at the Bode-Museum – is a nuanced depiction of Merkel's complexities, capturing the weight of her 16-year tenure in office.
The creation of this portrait was marked by an unusual level of collaboration and trust between artist and subject. Over several months, Queyras held clandestine meetings with Merkel at a studio within Berlin's government quarter, where their conversations ranged from politics to personal matters, often punctuated by periods of silence or classical music. Born in Paris but raised in southern Germany, Queyras secured the commission after sending Merkel a handwritten letter in 2022, following a suggestion from an acquaintance.
Merkel's decision to fund the portrait privately has sparked interest. By doing so, she ensures her undisputed ownership of the artwork, allowing it to be loaned to the Chancellery for display while granting her the right to reclaim it should a far-right government come to power – a rare move that sets precedent in official portraiture funding.
Merkel granted Queyras unrestricted access to the Chancellery's gallery of portraits featuring seven male predecessors, who led Germany after World War II. The new portrait will be displayed alongside Gerhard Schröder's self-mocking portrait by Jörg Immendorff, a notable piece in the collection.
The portrait will remain at the Bode-Museum until October before being transferred to the Chancellery. In selecting not to depict Merkel's signature rhombus-shaped gesture, Queyras opted for a more nuanced representation of her character. Her left hand rests on a chair arm, while her right hangs down, conveying a sense of unease and impatience characteristic of her public persona.