Chris Levine’s Equanimity (Jubilee Edition) (2022) is a serene yet striking portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, rendered in a monochromatic turquoise palette that heightens its sense of calm majesty. Known for his mastery in light-based art and photographic portraiture, Levine distills the Queen’s image into a composition that feels both contemporary and timeless.

The portrait originates from a sitting Levine conducted in 2004, commissioned by the Jersey Heritage Trust to mark the island’s 800-year allegiance to the Crown. For the Jubilee Edition, Levine reinterprets the work with a refined silkscreen process, infusing the composition with a cool, meditative hue. The Queen is shown wearing the George IV State Diadem, a white fur stole, and a simple string of pearls — symbols of regal dignity and continuity.

Levine’s title, Equanimity, reflects the emotional poise and composure the monarch embodied throughout her reign. By removing naturalistic colour and focusing on form, texture, and tone, the artist draws attention to the Queen’s stillness and presence rather than courtly opulence. The result is an image that resonates beyond royal portraiture, touching on the universal themes of leadership, service, and grace under pressure.

This Jubilee Edition, created in 2022 to honour the Platinum Jubilee, serves not only as a commemorative artwork but also as a contemporary reimagining of a state portrait. It bridges tradition and modernity, placing the Queen’s image within the realm of fine art while maintaining the iconography of her role. Levine’s signature minimalism and subtle play with perception make Equanimity an enduring work that captures the monarch’s enduring legacy with elegance and restraint.