The National Portrait Gallery in London is commissioning a portrait of Nicholas Serota, who steps down as the director of the Tate at the end of May—but the artist will only be selected after Serota leaves and has a little more time. Unlike most of the eminent figures who are immortalised for the gallery, Serota knows hundreds of portraitists and will have his own views on who might be appropriate. For the chosen artist, it could be an intimidating prospect to have to capture the features and character of the retiring Tate director (unless it is a mega-star, such as David Hockney). Will Serota feel that the artist should be British? And will he opt for a fairly conventional portrait or go for a more conceptual approach? Watch this space.
