A portrait of former German chancellor Angela Merkel, painted by French artist Jeremie Queyras, was unveiled in Berlin on July 3, 2026, during a ceremony at the Chancellery. The painting is the first official state portrait of a former chancellor in Germany, a tradition that began only recently.
Ceremony Details
The unveiling took place in the presence of Merkel, current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and other dignitaries. Scholz praised Merkel's 16-year tenure, calling her a "stateswoman of global stature." The portrait, which measures 2.5 meters by 2 meters, shows Merkel standing in front of a window with her hands clasped, wearing a blue blazer and a calm expression.
Artist's Perspective
Queyras, known for his photorealistic style, said he aimed to capture Merkel's "quiet authority" and "pragmatic approach." He spent over a year on the painting, working from photographs and a single sitting with Merkel in 2025. According to Queyras, the portrait reflects Merkel's "steady hand" during crises such as the eurozone debt crisis and the migrant influx in 2015.
Historical Context
The tradition of state portraits for chancellors began under Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, whose portrait was unveiled in 2008. Merkel's portrait will hang in the Chancellery alongside those of all former chancellors since Konrad Adenauer. The German government allocated €200,000 for the commission, a figure that sparked some debate about public spending.
Reactions
Merkel herself commented briefly at the ceremony, saying she was "moved" by the honor. Critics noted that the portrait's formal style contrasts with Merkel's often more understated public image. Art critics have generally praised the work for its "intimate yet dignified portrayal."
