The painting, which Hall has named ‘Icon’, was officially revealed by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones and will be permanently housed at Wales’ iconic national stadium after being produced to honour the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation.
Cardiff born artist Hall’s portraits of First World War veterans Henry Allingham and Harry Patch were recently displayed at Windsor Castle and are now a permanent feature in the Royal Collection.
The artist also currently has work on display at the National Gallery of Wales and the Imperial War Museum and his back catalogue spans genres with a strong emphasis on landscape as well as exploring the theme of portraiture.
This latest portrait has been produced in a few short months after Hall attended a sitting with the Queen late last year, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, and is an imposing three-quarter study painted on a 5ft by 4ft canvass in an expressionist style.
The First Minister said: “I am honoured to unveil this portrait of Her Majesty the Queen to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation.
“In commissioning a Welsh artist for this work, and providing a permanent home at the iconic Millennium Stadium, the WRU are recognising the important role they play in our culture and showcasing it to the world.
“This is a fantastic piece which thousands of people visiting the stadium every year will have the chance to enjoy.”
At 32, Hall is the youngest Welsh artist to paint a Monarch and the 133rd artist to have sat with Her Majesty.
Also on display at the Millennium Stadium today was a selection of five studies providing an insight into the process of creating a portrait – two depicting the hand gestures, two head studies and a study of the brooch gifted at the time of the Diamond Jubilee.
The final image is literally larger than life and Hall says he was particularly keen to reflect the humanity of his subject.
“To have been granted a sitting with Queen is an ambition fulfilled and it has been an enormous privilege to be asked to create this work,” said Hall.
“As anyone who has ever met Her Majesty will know, it is simply awe inspiring to be in her presence and I wanted to relay that feeling as well as showing the very human side to the Queen’s personality.
“As a proud Welshman to know that the work will eventually be on display in the Millennium Stadium is also a huge honour and I am particularly grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for the role they have played in this project.
“I am particularly grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for the instrumental role they have played in this project.
“The Millennium Stadium is the pulsing heart of Wales and is the best possible place to home for the portrait; amongst all the hopes and dreams of the nation.”
The portrait has been completed in time to coincide with the 60th Anniversary of the coronation and will be on permanent display at Wales’ national stadium.
“The Welsh Rugby Union occupies a unique place in the cultural fabric of Wales,” said Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis.
“Over recent years the WRU has encouraged young artists to express this relationship in a range of different ways.
“Student photographers from Newport have captured images of Welsh grass roots rugby, now proudly on display in the Millennium Stadium.
“The internationally renowned Welsh writer, Owen Sheers, was commissioned by the Arts Council of Wales and the WRU to become our first artist in residence.
“Owen’s book, Calon, published this year, is an extraordinary insight into the Wales national team during the 2012 Grand Slam Year.
“So when Dan Llywelyn Hall proposed that he wished to paint a portrait of our Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, we wholeheartedly supported it.
“Dan has gained great recognition and critical acclaim as an artist and his work has been displayed extensively throughout the UK.
“To be allowed a private sitting with the Queen, at Windsor Castle, was a special privilege.
“Dan’s work will undoubtedly enhance Welsh rugby’s commitment to support the talents of our nation.”
In 2003 Hall received Sunday Times’ Young Artist of the Year Award and has since been included in the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery with his depiction of ‘the last tommy’ Harry Patch.
