Unseen portrait of Queen Elizabeth to be auctioned off to raise money for Parkinson's research
A previously unseen portrait of Queen Elizabeth II created by Chris Levine is being auctioned off by its owner Gustavo Egusquiza to raise money for Parkinson's research.
A previously unseen portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by internationally acclaimed photographer and light artist Chris
Levine is being auctioned off to raise money for Parkinson's disease research.
The three signed, non-editioned artist's proofs were created during the portrait sittings granted by the late British monarch to Levine in 2004 and 2008, the sessions that produced Lightness of Being, widely regarded as one of the
defining photographic portraits of Queen Elizabeth and among the most celebrated royal portraits of the 21st
century.
Each 30 × 30 cm print exists outside any numbered edition, making these works exceptionally rare within Levine's
celebrated body of work.
Two of the proofs have only ever appeared through carefully controlled editorial releases. One was published by
Vanity Fair to commemorate the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, while another was featured by the
Daily Mail newspaper.
The third portrait has never been published, exhibited or offered for sale, making this auction its first
public appearance.
Together, the three artist's proofs offer an exceptionally rare insight into one of the most significant contemporary
royal portrait commissions and represent a unique opportunity for collectors of museum-quality photography.
Part of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to Parkinson's disease research, reflecting a cause of profound
personal importance to the owner of the works, Spanish journalist, author and communications consultant Gustavo
Egusquiza.
The donation seeks to transform a deeply personal family experience into meaningful support for scientific research
and improved care for people living with Parkinson's disease.
Gustavo told BANG Showbiz: "These photographs are far more than collectors' pieces. They preserve a unique moment in the visual history of Queen Elizabeth II, captured by one of the most remarkable portrait artists of our time. One of them has never before been seen by the public, and I believe that sharing it while supporting Parkinson's disease research gives this sale a much greater purpose."
He added: "Parkinson's has touched my own family, making this auction especially meaningful to me. If these photographs can help advance research while preserving an important chapter in photographic history, they will have achieved
something beyond their artistic value."
Chris Levine is a British-Canadian artist internationally recognized for his pioneering work with light, laser
technology and portraiture. His portrait Lightness of Being, depicting Queen Elizabeth II with her eyes gently
closed, is widely regarded as one of the defining photographic portraits of the 21st century and forms part of the
permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London.
His work is held in major public and private collections worldwide and has redefined contemporary royal portraiture
through its innovative combination of technology, light and spirituality.
Gustavo Egusquiza is a Spanish journalist, author and communications consultant specializing in luxury travel,
gastronomy and strategic communications. His work has appeared in international publications including Vanity
Fair and The Sunday Times, and he has been recognized by Forbes for his expertise in luxury tourism.
Alongside his professional career, Egusquiza has developed a carefully curated collection of culturally significant
objects and artworks connected to internationally recognized public figures, with a particular interest in pieces that
combine historical importance with compelling human stories.
Auction details, including the auction house and sale date, will be announced shortly.
