Unveiling of the Official Portrait of the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean

The Governor General hosted the ceremony During his speech, he stated: "You made a lasting impact on the lives of individual people, and that is why you stand among the most beloved governors general to ever serve our country. Canada fell in love with you, with your story, with your family. Today, we pay tribute to your accomplishments as governor general with the unveiling of your official portrait, which will hang here in Rideau Hall where you spent such memorable years."

The 28th and 27th governors general of Canada unveiled the portrait. The commissioning of official portraits of former governors general is a long-standing tradition dating back to 1898.

Spoken word artist Mosha Folger performed for the occasion.

The official portrait of the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean was painted by Karen Bailey, an Ottawa artist. Ms. Bailey’s varied career spans three decades. Her work was first exhibited in 1981, when her detailed heraldic work was included in the Heraldry Now 1975-1981 exhibit at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. More recently, her largest canvas to date, Blast Victims, was part of the War and Medicine exhibit at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

Artist Karen Bailey explained some elements of the portrait and how the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean inspired her.

The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean explained that she did not want to be alone in the painting since she was never alone while she fulfilled her duties as governor general.

The unveiling ceremony ended with a photo of Their Excellencies, the artist, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and her family.