A new portrait of Sir David Attenborough has been unveiled, commemorating his 40 years of fellowship to the Royal Society. The oil painting, created by renowned artist Jonathan Yeo, captures the essence of the veteran natural history broadcaster in a striking manner.
The portrait shows Sir David seated against a green background, gazing directly at the viewer with his hands clasped around his knee. Describing Yeo as a “master”, Sir David expressed his gratitude at having his portrait included in the Royal Society’s collection, calling it “extraordinary”.
The unveiling took place on the BBC’s The One Show, where Sir David reflected on his lifelong dedication to showcasing the wonders of the natural world. He credited the natural history filmmakers and scientists who have supported his work, emphasizing the privilege it has been to share the complexity and beauty of nature with audiences worldwide.
Yeo, known for his portraits of prominent figures like Sir Tony Blair and Malala Yousafzai, expressed his honor at being chosen to paint Sir David’s portrait, whom he considers a personal inspiration. He highlighted the joy of spending time with someone of Sir David’s wisdom and wit, describing it as a thrilling experience.
The Royal Society, recognizing Sir David’s significant contributions to science communication and public engagement, praised the new portrait as a celebration of his ongoing efforts to educate the public on climate change and biodiversity. Keith Moore, head of library and archives at the Royal Society, lauded Sir David as a unique figure whose impact on society rivals that of legendary scientists like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.
The portrait will be on public display at the Royal Society starting from 2 July, allowing visitors to appreciate the legacy of Sir David Attenborough and his enduring commitment to environmental conservation and scientific exploration.
