On September 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria. To mark the occasion, the Royal Collection opened a photography exhibition titled “Long to Reign over Us,” featuring posed portraits and casual family shots of the Queen. Artnet News compiled 30 favorite photos and paintings of the monarch, including works by Cecil Beaton, Andy Warhol, and royal photographer Mark Stewart, highlighting her decades-long reign and her ease in front of the camera.
This article matters because it captures a historic milestone in British monarchy through the lens of visual art and photography, showcasing how artists and photographers have documented Queen Elizabeth II's reign. It underscores the cultural significance of royal portraiture and the enduring public fascination with the monarchy, while also providing insight into the challenges and rewards of capturing the Queen's image over time.