
The Ditchly Portrait by Marcus Cheeraerts the Younger (1561/2–1636)
© National Portrait Gallery, London
National Portrait Gallery
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of London's National Portrait Gallery, this exhibition features approximately 60 of the finest painted portraits and photographs of significant British figures of the past 500 years and also shows the common histories between Great Britain and the United States. Influential individuals featured include monarchs Elizabeth I and II; individuals who created political change, from Henry VIII to Margaret Thatcher; scientists from Sir Isaac Newton to Charles Darwin. It also highlights works by outstanding portrait painters, such as Sir Anthony van Dyck and Sir John Everitt Millais. Photographic and digital works include Mario Testino's 1997 image of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sam Taylor Wood's digital video portrait of footballer David Beckham.