United Kingdom. A Portrait of Queen Elizabeth, 1940

A large black and white photograph of Queen Elizabeth II in pearls and a tiara, mounted to a cardstock backing, with “Elizabeth R 1940” facsimile signature, copyright mark to Dorothy Wilding in the bottom right corner, measures 30cm (w) x 38 cm (h), reverse marked with tape and scuffs, corners showing wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Elizabeth II (1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. The daughter of George VI, she ascended the throne following his death and was crowned in 1953 in a ceremony that symbolized a new, modern era for the monarchy.

During her 70-year reign, Elizabeth II oversaw significant political, social, and technological change, including the continued evolution of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations. Known for her strong sense of duty and commitment to public service, she became a central figure of stability and continuity in the United Kingdom and abroad.

Her reign spanned numerous historic events, including the Cold War and the modernization of the monarchy in the age of mass media. She was succeeded in 2022 by her son, Charles III.