Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has unveiled her official state portrait, a work by 28-year-old French-German artist Jérémie Queyras, following a period of creative seclusion. The portrait, which depicts Merkel in her signature blue blazer against a gold-brown backdrop, will be displayed at Berlin’s Bode Museum until October 4, 2026, before joining the official gallery at the Federal Chancellery.
How was the portrait of Angela Merkel commissioned?
Merkel opted for an unconventional selection process, waiting for a period of personal distance after leaving office before choosing an artist. According to the former chancellor, she reviewed portfolios sent by various artists before she was struck by the work of Jérémie Queyras. After meeting the artist in person, she awarded him the commission. The process remained under strict secrecy, with the portrait being painted in a reserved room at the Bode Museum, located near the former chancellor’s Berlin residence. Queyras noted that the project required an atmosphere of “mutual trust” to complete, noting that even the Minister of Culture was unaware of the project’s progress during its year-long development.
Unlike many of her predecessors, Merkel is depicted standing in her portrait. Notably, the artist omitted her famous “Merkel-Raute”—the diamond-shaped hand gesture she frequently used.
What is the history of the Chancellery portrait gallery?
The tradition of maintaining a gallery of former German chancellors at the Federal Chancellery was established in 1976 by then-Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. The collection is housed in the Chancellery building, which sits on the banks of the Spree River, a site that once served as the border between East Germany (GDR) and West Berlin. As of mid-2026, the gallery includes the portraits of seven former chancellors. The only major portrait currently missing from the collection is that of Olaf Scholz.
Why does the transition to historical figurehood matter?
Merkel has openly reflected on the process of becoming part of German history. In an interview with the weekly newspaper Die Zeit, she remarked on the surreal nature of the transition, stating, “It is strange when one slowly becomes history. So now I will be hanging there too.” This sentiment underscores the transition from active political power to the legacy-building phase that follows a long-tenured leadership. The portrait serves as a final, formal step in her official departure from the public stage, marking her place alongside the leaders who shaped the Federal Republic of Germany.
Pro Tip: The Evolution of State Portraits
State portraiture is shifting toward more modern, personal interpretations. While traditional portraits often focused on rigid formality, the selection of a younger, contemporary artist like Queyras suggests a move toward artistic freedom that prioritizes the subject’s personal choice over strict institutional protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can the public view Merkel’s portrait? The portrait is currently on display at the Bode Museum in Berlin until October 4, 2026.
- Who painted the portrait? It was painted by 28-year-old French-German artist Jérémie Queyras.
- Is the “Merkel-Raute” included in the painting? No, the artist chose not to include the former chancellor’s iconic hand gesture in the final composition.
- Who established the Chancellery portrait gallery? The collection was initiated in 1976 by Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.
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