In the autumn of 1990, painter Myfanwy Pavelic was approached by her Montreal agent, Franklin Silverstone, about adding her name to a shortlist of figurative artists to be considered for the commission of an official portrait of Pierre Trudeau. The portrait was to be installed in the House of Commons in Ottawa, along with those of all other former Canadian prime ministers. With Silverstone’s assistance, Mr. Trudeau wished to select an appropriate artist, after looking at slides and photographs from a half dozen studios.

Myfanwy, who in recent years has increasingly turned down requests for "official" portraits in favour of more relaxed and naturalistic figurative works, nonetheless consented to a be considered for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She had not forgotten her active desire to paint this man twenty years earlier, when, as Prime Minister, his imposing presence and image dominated the media. She had not dreamed that an appointment such as this would ever arise.

A Portrait by Myfanwy was produced to document this remarkable artistic achievement, containing all the exhibition paintings (most in full colour) and an explanatory text in both English and French.

Art, 52 pp, 9 x 8, 45 colour and b/w reproductions
ISBN 1-55039-025-2, paper, $20.00