Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel unveiled her portrait painted by French-German artist Jérémie Queiras at the Bode Museum in Berlin, joining the paintings of her predecessors as male chancellors in the Chancellery building.
This step comes at a time when Merkel is facing accusations of adopting a soft stance towards Russia and causing unrest due to the open-door policy during the migrant crisis, after spending 16 years in power during which she was known for her calm and sober leadership style.
The painting shows Merkel wearing one of her famous jackets, which was a distinctive sign of her style. According to the German newspaper Die Zeit, Merkel sat for months in front of the artist to complete this portrait in a studio designated for this purpose in Berlin.
In a statement she made to the newspaper last week, Merkel, 71, said, “It is very strange to witness one’s gradual transformation into a part of history,” adding: “Then, I will be just a painting hanging there.”
