I am putting Graham Sutherland to one side for a day, to bring you this potrait by a contemporay artist, of a comtemporay person.
Of course the sitter is immediately recognisable.
This is the first glimpse of a portrait of Margaret Thatcher, commissioned by Gordon Brown to hang in 10 Downing Street.
The £100,000 work by Richard Stone, one of the world's finest portrait artists, is scheduled to be unveiled next month.
It depicts Lady Thatcher, prime minister for 11 years and widely regarded as one of Britain's best leaders, at her heyday in 1982, just after the Falklands conflict.
Her eyes display steeliness and confidence. Her straight back hints at her unwavering determination.
And on her arm, at her insistence, is her trademark handbag.
Mr Stone, 57, a postman's son who has painted the Queen, the Queen Mother and Nelson Mandela, stressed that the painting is still unfinished.
He said: 'It is intended to be a classic, historic portrait that will remain in Downing Street for ever.'
(Mail Online)
jenray
Pro 
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....you've spoiled my day!!!!!! Colin...this is somebody who does terrible things to me...like wanting to commit murder most heinous...
GBHs...XXX