Lucian Freud's intense portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, completed in 2001, stands as one of his most powerful and globally recognizable works, despite its small size of approximately nine and a half by six inches. This oil on canvas, characteristic of the Expressionism movement, presents the British monarch as an imposing presence, with her face filling the entire composition. A delicate sliver of pearls graces her throat, while an elaborate, jeweled crown rests atop her white hair, dominating the upper border of the picture. Freud specifically requested she wear the crown for the portrait. The Queen sat for the artist in May 2000 at St. James Palace, a departure from Freud's usual studio practice. The small canvas took over six months to complete; a model was used for the crown as the Queen had other obligations. The portrait sparked considerable debate and received mixed reviews, with some critics viewing it as unflattering or a publicity stunt. However, it vividly showcases Freud's raw intensity, a quality he maintained throughout his career regardless of his subject. Some interpretations suggest the Queen serves as a symbolic alter-ego for Freud himself, noting the remarkable similarity between her aging features in the portrait and his own.