Michael Noakes, the portrait painter, was commissioned by the Vatican to paint Pope Benedict XVI shortly after he was elected, although it took about a year before he started work. The Holy Father sat for Mr Noakes in the library attached to his private apartments in the Vatican.
The finished work hangs in the Vatican, but Mr Noakes also worked on a related study which he has kept in his studio. For the occasion of the recent papal visit to Britain the portrait is reproduced on the right.
“I was the only painter to whom had given time for a portrait,” Mr Noakes said. “I think it is still true that I am the only artist to have been given that opportunity.”
