The original “In Search of Greatness” is an autobiography by the great portrait master photographer Yousuf Karsh, published in 1962.

As I reflected on Queen Elizabeth II lying in state this week I thought of Karsh and the great people he photographed. I recalled seeing at least one portrait of Queen Elizabeth that Karsh had created and wondered if there were others. A Google search came up with the following:

A beautiful portrait using broadside Rembrandt light. There is a similarity between the way the background has been handled behind the head and the portrait of Churchill also done by Karsh.

Karsh went looking for “great people” and created portraits worthy of their greatness. Queen Elizabeth certainly qualified.  Great portraits stand the test of time, just like great people.

R.I.P. your magesty.