The National Portrait Gallery is full of art, the art that is the Princess Diana of course. As I strolled around the gallery of art that filled the walls and sat on cases in which to be studied, I couldn’t help but be pulled in by a corner with a large portrait. On this portrait, I saw a sitter, not only was it Princess Diana, but she was also sitting. How perfect for a literal perspective of this assignment it was. After approaching, I stared at someone who was so influential to the changing of rules in the kingdom of England. Someone who changed standards, pressed for change, and broke barriers. I not only saw a princess, but I saw a role model.
After gazing at the beauty that is Diana, I began to study her features, what she was wearing, and the deeper meaning of the portrait. The clothes which Diana wore were untraditional for a Princess or any royalty at this time. She is shown wearing a pair of dress pants and a shirt with a vest. This was uncommon for royalty at this time as it was seen as “showing too much skin” and made her seem un-royal as if she were a normal citizen. She breaks the barriers of tradition and shows that royals can be approachable. This aligns with the name the public gave her of “the people’s princess”. Royalty is also usually portrayed in gowns, skirts, with jewels, or things that signify high class.
Let’s get started with her hair… I think that after Diana started wearing this haircut that the entire United Kingdom got this cut as well. She started a trend for women that still spans today but was particularly popular in the 1980s. Her soft smile and the way she is sitting also allows for the viewer to believe that she was approachable but still meant business. The lighting and background of this portrait are simple and have little color as to not take your gaze away from the wonder that is Diana. However, in the background you can see wallpaper, wall trim, and an elegant door which conveyed that she is still a royal and of class.
If I were to step into this portrait I would feel comfortable with approaching her. Her pose and face are approachable and kind. I would see the royal room she sits in and its beauty as well as hear silence or maybe classical music, something for a princess of course.
Theatre in London U of A 