Sam Smith's heavenly portrait graces national gallery exhibition

For a decade, 32-year-old Sam Smith has been one of the most important figures on the British and global music scene. They have released many award-winning albums, from "In The Lonely Hour" in 2014 to "Gloria" in 2023. Songs like "Stay With Me" and "Unholy," a duet with Kim Petras, have topped the charts for a long time. Smith has also won 5 Grammy Awards and an Oscar.

The artist recently received another honour. The National Portrait Gallery in London displays their portrait as part of the new exhibition "History Makers." The painting, titled "Gloria," is a definite departure from Smith's "devilish" aesthetic, which sparked considerable controversy during the promotion of the single "Unholy." The pastel-toned work depicts them seated in a heavenly scene decorated with white columns and pink flowers, playing a harp with angel wings and a golden crown.

The French duo Pierre et Gilles (Pierre Commoy and Gilles Blanchard) created the baroque-style painting in 2023. It comes from Sam Smith's private collection and has never been publicly shown. Smith told BBC.com: "It's very important to me to support the arts. Being in their new History Makers section is an honour."

The styling for Sam Smith's portrait was created in collaboration with renowned fashion designer J.W. Anderson. The singer confessed: "Working once again with Jonathan Anderson on the look was a beautiful experience." Clare Freestone, a curator at the National Portrait Gallery, added, "I'm absolutely delighted that Sam has agreed to lend this incredible work to the National Portrait Gallery."

Sam Smith's likeness is displayed in the "History Makers" section alongside portraits of many other figures important to British culture. These include, among others, singer Harry Styles, co-founder of Pride In London Peter Tatchell, and racial equality activist Baroness Doreen Lawrence.