Recognized as one of the most important photographers of our time, Annie Leibovitz had a treasure tucked away—specifically at the Bank of Spain. That treasure is the much-anticipated official portraits of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Earlier this year, in February, the royal couple sat for Leibovitz in a session held at the Salón de Gaspari in the Royal Palace of Madrid. The portraits are set to headline the exhibition “The Tyranny of Chronos” at the Sala Banco de España in Madrid, running from November 27, 2024, to March 29, 2025.

The portraits, commissioned as a diptych, depict the king and queen separately but will be displayed together by the Bank’s directive.

Leibovitz’s signature dramatic style is unmistakable, drawing clear inspiration from Las Meninas. Queen Letizia is resplendent in a custom-made Cristóbal Balenciaga silk tulle gown from the 20th century, paired with heirloom jewels tracing back to Queen Victoria Eugenia. The ensemble is highlighted by a ring engraved with the famous closing line of Dante’s Inferno: “Love moves everything.”

Each portrait brims with rich cultural and historical symbolism. In King Felipe VI’s portrait, he bears an uncanny resemblance to Charles III, with El Pastor, an astronomical clock in the background, symbolizing the harmony between tradition and progress.

If you have the chance to witness these one-of-a-kind portraits printed on irreplaceable and unreproducible fabric, don’t forget to tag us at @thewalk.com.mx!