The National Portrait Gallery in London has unveiled a new painting of singer and songwriter Sam Smith, created by the art duo Pierre Commoy and Gilles Blanchard, also known as Pierre et Gilles. The pair have previously created paintings and photographs of famous icons such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Tilda Swinton. The painting of Smith, named ‘Gloria,’ features the singer playing a harp in a heavenly location and wearing a pair of angel wings designed by JW Anderson.
The artwork was created in 2023 when the artists took a photograph of Smith posing and then hand painted and embellished the picture. The painting is now on loan to the National Portrait Gallery from Smith’s personal collection and will be displayed in the new ‘History Makers’ gallery alongside the images of Harry Styles and Pride In London co-founder Peter Tatchell.
Smith stated, “I have admired the beautiful work of Pierre et Gilles for years, their incredible portraits of icons like Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Almond are truly iconic, and to sit for them was a dream come true.” Smith further explained the importance of supporting the arts and expressed gratitude at the opportunity to be included in the ‘History Makers’ gallery.
The National Portrait Gallery described the ‘never-before-seen’ ‘Gloria’ as an artwork that aims to combine “reality, daily life, dreams and fantasies.” Clare Freestone, Curator Of Photography at the National Portrait Gallery, remarked, “An amazing moment for Sam’s fans to connect on a deeper level with the portrait, its display presents a unique opportunity for visitors to see a much-loved artwork, borrowed from the singer’s own collection and on show for the first time in a public art gallery.” The National Portrait Gallery reopened in 2023 after undergoing renovations, and ‘Gloria’ is now available for public viewing
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