Photograph
02/06/1953 (photographed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Photograph depicting Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation day, 2nd June 1953. The new Queen is crowned (this crown is known as the Imperial State Crown) and although seen slightly from behind, we can see that she holds the orb and sceptre. Her face is seen in profile; her expression is calm and thoughtful. She is wearing a cloak of thick white and black fur. A painted backdrop depicts the grand latticed naves of Westminster Abbey (where the Coronation ceremony had taken place shortly before this sitting).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | photography |
| Brief description | Royal Portrait by Cecil Beaton (1904-1980). Photograph depicting Queen Elizabeth II, Coronation day, Buckingham Palace, 1953. |
| Physical description | Photograph depicting Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation day, 2nd June 1953. The new Queen is crowned (this crown is known as the Imperial State Crown) and although seen slightly from behind, we can see that she holds the orb and sceptre. Her face is seen in profile; her expression is calm and thoughtful. She is wearing a cloak of thick white and black fur. A painted backdrop depicts the grand latticed naves of Westminster Abbey (where the Coronation ceremony had taken place shortly before this sitting). |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | 'B647/50' (Written in blue biro on the reverse.) |
| Gallery label | Queen Elizabeth II
2 June 1953
This portrait echoes the centuries-old tradition of depicting rulers in profile on coins and medals. Dramatic lighting highlights the Queen’s youthful features. The prime minister, Winston Churchill, voiced the feelings of many when he described her as a metaphorical guardian angel: ‘the gleaming figure whom Providence has brought to us in times when the present is hard and the future veiled.’
Gelatin silver print
V&A: Ph.1540-1987
(2012) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed to the Museum in 1987 by Eileen Hose, secretary to the photographer |
| Production | Cecil Beaton photographed members of the royal family from 1930-1979. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Place depicted | |
| Associated objects | |
| Bibliographic reference | Strong, Roy C. Cecil Beaton: the royal portraits. London: Thames and Hudson, c1988. p. 136 |
| Other number | B.647/50 - Beaton's number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | PH.1540-1987 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 8, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
