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Elizabeth II

1966
(German, 1932-)
published by

Galerie h

Germany, 20th century
color offset lithograph
Sheet: 70 x 59.5 cm (27 9/16 x 23 7/16 in.); Image: 70 x 59.4 cm (27 9/16 x 23 3/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1998.74
© Gerhard Richter
Catalogue raisonné: Butin 5b
Impression: 15
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

At what point does a portrait of a public figure become unrecognizable? From across the gallery, this image of British monarch Queen Elizabeth II is likely easily identifiable. But as you get closer, the blurry halftone pattern emerges and seeing more detail is not possible. Gerhard Richter has explored a variety of photomechanical processes because of their “nonart” commercial use. Richter’s artwork is not about the source photograph or even the famous individual being pictured. The artist is fascinated by our perception of the image: starting with a recognizable person allows him to push the boundaries of that recognition.
Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II

1966

Gerhard Richter, Galerie h

(German, 1932-)
Germany, 20th century

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