In the realm of portrait photography, few images are as enduring and compelling as the iconic photograph of Winston Churchill taken by Yousuf Karsh in Ottawa on December 30, 1941. This powerful image not only captures the resolute demeanor of one of history's most significant leaders but also tells a story of wartime defiance and artistic mastery.
By late 1941, World War II was well underway, and Winston Churchill was emerging as a central figure in the Allied struggle against the Axis powers. As the British Prime Minister, Churchill's leadership and speeches were pivotal in boosting morale and maintaining resistance against Nazi Germany. In December 1941, Churchill was on a visit to Ottawa, Canada, to confer with Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and to address the Canadian Parliament.
Yousuf Karsh, a renowned portrait photographer, was born in 1908 in Mardin, then part of the Ottoman Empire, and had immigrated to Canada in 1924. Known for his portraits of notable figures and his mastery of lighting, Karsh had established a reputation for capturing the essence of his subjects with remarkable clarity and depth. His portfolio included portraits of figures such as Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway, and Marilyn Monroe.
Karsh was tasked with photographing Churchill during his visit to Ottawa. The session took place in the House of Commons, a setting that added a dramatic backdrop to the portrait. According to Karsh, the shoot was not without its challenges. Churchill was known for his strong and often intimidating presence, and the session required careful handling to achieve the desired result.
The moment that defined the photograph came when Karsh, in an attempt to capture Churchill's essence, decided to remove the cigar Churchill was holding. The Prime Minister was known for his unyielding demeanor, and the act of removing the cigar was a deliberate choice to convey strength and determination without distraction. Churchill, initially surprised, later gave a defiant and stern look that Karsh was able to capture perfectly.
The resulting photograph, which came to be known as “Roaring Lion,” shows Churchill with a determined expression, his strong gaze directly engaging the viewer. His furrowed brow and firmly set jaw convey a sense of resolve and leadership, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of defiance and resilience that characterized his wartime persona.
Karsh’s photograph of Churchill quickly became one of the most reproduced and recognized images of the war era. It transformed Karsh from a local portraitist into an internationally known photographer of the famous. The image was widely disseminated and used in various forms of media, cementing Churchill’s image as a symbol of unyielding strength. It appears today on Britain’s five-pound bank notes, highlighting its enduring significance.
Visitors to the Karsh studio in the hotel, which closed in 1992, were greeted by an oversize print of the Churchill portrait, a testament to its importance in Karsh’s body of work and its impact on his career. The portrait remains an iconic representation of Churchill and a testament to Karsh’s skill as a photographer.
In addition to its historical significance, the photograph is celebrated for its technical excellence. Karsh’s use of lighting and composition enhanced Churchill’s imposing presence, making it a masterpiece of portrait photography.
In a dramatic turn of events, the original negative of Karsh’s iconic photograph was stolen from the Canadian War Museum in 1997. The theft shocked the art world and left a void in the museum’s collection. However, in September 2024, the New York Times reported that the stolen negative was recovered. The negative had been found in a private collection in Europe, leading to its return to the museum after years of investigation and negotiation. The recovery of the negative was celebrated as a significant victory for art preservation and cultural heritage.
Yousuf Karsh's photograph of Winston Churchill not only stands as a powerful visual record of a pivotal moment in history but also as a testament to the art of portraiture. It continues to resonate with audiences today, embodying the enduring legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential leaders.