Angela Merkel explains color choice for official portrait

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has shared the reasoning behind the color choice for her official portrait, which will eventually join the Chancellery Portrait Gallery. In the painting by artist Jérémie Queyras, Merkel is depicted wearing a blue blazer against a gold-brown background.

Speaking at an art exhibition opening in the Bundestag, Merkel explained that she intentionally avoided the color red to leave it for the first Social Democratic female Chancellor. She noted that blue provides a sense of presence and can range from sea blue to steel blue, representing both strength and grace. She also mentioned that wearing colorful blazers at international summits like the G20 allowed her to stand out among the dark suits of male leaders.

The portrait is currently being exhibited at the Bode-Museum in Berlin. Due to high public interest and a significant increase in visitor numbers, the exhibition has been extended from its original end date of October 4 to January 3, 2027. Merkel is scheduled to appear at the museum on October 4, 2026, for a signing session to sign postcards featuring the portrait.