Art lovers have been left divided over a painting of pop star Sam Smith as a shirtless angel which will be displayed in the National Portrait Gallery.
The painting will be hung in the History Makers section, which currently displays portraits of controversial campaigner Peter Tatchell, singer Ed Sheeran, tennis star Andy Murray and children’s author Jacqueline Wilson.
The portrait, which has never been publicly displayed, was created by the French duo Pierre et Gilles and is entitled ‘Gloria’ – after the performer’s 2023 song.
Smith is dressed as a scantily clad angel, complete with wings and holding a harp in front of two white columns in a rose garden – and the painting will be hung alongside portraits of the Royal Family.
Sam Smith’s painting is being put on display in the National Portrait Gallery
Brits have been left baffled after Sam Smith announced they are lending a portrait depicting them as a shirtless angel to the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery’s website reads: ‘Today, contemporary artists continue to make sculptures that draw on historical precedents, yet challenge attitudes towards power, value and representation.
‘This new space displays images of contemporary ‘history makers’, such as the race campaigner Doreen Lawrence, the England footballer Lucy Bronze, the author Jeanette Winterson and our Work in Progress mural.’
The pop singer, 32, said it was a ‘dream come true’ when the gallery asked if Smith would loan the piece.
‘It’s very important to me to support the arts. Being in their new History Makers section is an honour.’
The musician added: ‘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.
The singer, 32, has said it is ‘an honour’ to have the painting entitled Gloria, in the gallery
It comes as the gallery (pictured) was listed in the Stirling Prize 2024 shortlist
‘Working once again with Jonathan Anderson on the look was a beautiful experience. I was so happy when the National Portrait Gallery asked me if they could loan the piece.’
Pierre Commoy and Gilles Blanchard made the painting by first taking a photo of Smith posing, before then hand painting and embellishing the image.
The National Portrait Gallery said the image aims to mix ‘reality, daily life, dreams and fantasies’.
But art lovers have hit out at the inclusion, with some asking: ‘Why would it be displayed there?’
‘Why [are they] a history maker? Does anyone know?’ one person queried.
Posting on X, another said: ‘The National Portrait Gallery sure has sunk to a new low’.
One person slammed it as a ‘waste of effort and money’ and ‘absurd’.
While some supported the inclusion of the singer – calling it ‘excellent’ – they asked: ‘Why this one? It is awful.’
Speaking about the experience, Smith said it was a ‘dream come true’
The painting will be hung in the History Makers section of the prestigious London gallery
Others saw the funny side, comparing getting yourself painted as an angel to an episode of TV show Modern Family, where a character painted a family portrait of them dressed as cherubs on the nursery wall.
But one commented: ‘Must be so proud to have that displayed in such a prestigious place as the National Gallery.’
It comes as the gallery was listed in the Stirling Prize 2024 shortlist, alongside the Elizabeth line, in with a chance of winning the top architecture award granted by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Clare Freestone, curator of photography at the gallery, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that Sam has agreed to lend this incredible work to the National Portrait Gallery.
‘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.’
A gallery spokesperson said: ‘We are delighted that Sam Smith agreed to lend Gloria (2023) to the National Portrait Gallery.
‘Our History Makers display celebrates figures who have made an impact on contemporary culture, and the five-time Grammy Award winner’s portrait is displayed alongside important new acquisitions to the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection.’
