The Queen’s equanimity: A Portrait, a Copyright Dispute, and a Fight for artistic Recognition
The iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, titled Equanimity, continues to be at the center of a complex legal battle, even after a recent out-of-court settlement. What began as a dispute between artist Chris levine and the Jersey Heritage Trust has now expanded to include Robert Munday, the holographer instrumental in bringing Levine’s vision to life. This article delves into the intricacies of the case, exploring the claims of artistic authorship and the future of this groundbreaking work.
The Initial Dispute: Copyright and Commission
In July 2024,the Jersey Heritage Trust initiated legal action against chris Levine,alleging breach of contract and copyright infringement. The Trust claimed Levine had sold unauthorized copies of the Equanimity portrait, potentially amounting to millions in revenue.
The core of the issue revolved around the ownership of the copyright to the portrait. the Trust sought to clarify Levine’s financial obligations related to sales of the artwork. Ultimately, the parties reached a settlement in September, issuing a joint statement affirming Levine as the sole artist commissioned for the portrait.
A Collaborative Effort? Munday’s Claim to Co-Authorship
However,the settlement didn’t resolve all disputes. Robert Munday, of Spatial Imaging, has since filed his own legal claim, arguing he deserves recognition as a co-author of Equanimity. this stems from Levine’s post-settlement Instagram statement – now deleted - declaring himself the “sole artist” and “sole author” of the work.
Munday contends that while the joint statement acknowledged his contribution, it diminished his role to that of a mere collaborator. He seeks to be officially recognized as a co-creator and for Levine to publicly acknowledge their joint authorship.
Levine’s Defense: Sole Artistic Vision
Levine firmly refutes Munday’s claims. He maintains that the Jersey Heritage trust has publicly confirmed his status as the sole commissioned artist. He characterizes Munday as a “technical subcontractor” – a skilled professional brought in to assist with the production process, but not an artistic partner.
“Mr. munday does not hold any copyright in equanimity or Lightness of Being,” Levine stated. He emphasizes that his artistic vision drove the project, and any attempt to rewrite history will be vigorously defended.
Understanding the Creation of Equanimity
Equanimity is more than just a photograph; its a groundbreaking holographic portrait.Levine, who doesn’t identify as a photographer, but rather as an artist working with light, employed a unique process to capture the essence of Queen Elizabeth II.
Here’s a breakdown of the key players and their roles:
* Chris Levine: The commissioned artist and visionary behind the project.
* Robert Munday (Spatial Imaging): The holographer responsible for the technical execution of the holographic process.
* jeffrey Robb (Spatial Imaging): Contributed to the technical aspects of the holographic imaging.
* Dr.John Perry: Provided scientific expertise in the creation of the portrait.
Levine’s approach, honed through studies in graphic design and computer graphics at Chelsea and Central Saint Martins, focuses on capturing light and energy. As he explained in a 2009 Guardian interview, he uses photography as a tool within his broader artistic practice.
The Portrait’s Legacy and Ongoing Legal Battles
Equanimity and its companion piece, Lightness of Being, have achieved meaningful recognition. Lightness of Being graced the cover of Levine’s forthcoming monograph, Inner Light: The Portraiture of Chris Levine, and was highlighted as his best shot in a 2009 interview.
The portrait was also featured in sotheby’s 2022 exhibition, Power & Image: Royal Portraiture & Iconography, alongside portraits of other influential queens.
As the legal proceedings continue, the question of artistic authorship remains central. Levine is persistent to protect his rights and defend his artistic vision. You can expect further developments in this case as the courts weigh the contributions of each individual involved in creating this iconic image.
For further reading:
* [The Art Newspaper: Chris Levine’s Queen Elizabeth II portraits at center of multi-million-pound copyright row](https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/