Former German chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday unveiled her official portrait, which will join those of her male predecessors in Berlin's chancellery building. The painting by French-German artist Jeremie Queyras was revealed at Berlin's Bode Museum, where it will remain on display until October.
Portrait details and creation
The portrait shows Merkel wearing one of her trademark blazers. According to Die Zeit newspaper, Merkel sat for the portrait for several months in a studio specially set up for the purpose in Berlin. The 71-year-old former chancellor told the paper last week, "It's strange when you slowly become history. Then I'll just be hanging there," striking a typically pragmatic note.
Merkel's legacy
During her 16 years at the helm of Europe's top economy, Merkel was known for her calm and unflappable leadership style. Since stepping down in 2021, she has faced criticism for being too soft on Russia and for her open-door policy during the 2015-16 migrant crisis, which some blame for sparking turmoil and the rise of the far right.
