A striking portrait of former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein has been unveiled in state parliament.
The artwork by north-east artist Leoni Duff depicts Gutwein leading Tasmania through the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to early 2022.
Duff painted the background to reflect the turbulence of the pandemic, with red slashes symbolising looming danger.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the portrait “captures Peter’s strength” and “respectfully honours a man who dedicated two decades to serving the people of Tasmania”.
“Peter guided Tasmania through the COVID pandemic, ensuring the community stayed safe, well and in work during an extremely difficult period for our state, our country and the world,” Rockliff told Pulse.
“It is wonderful to see former Premier Peter Gutwein honoured in the halls of Parliament.”
Speaker Michelle O’Byrne welcomed the portrait, which Gutwein selected as his official representation, as a significant addition to parliament’s historical collection.
“Whilst we look forward to an official event at a time that suits the former Premier, it’s an important addition to the Parliament House collection that acknowledges our Premiers,” she said.
It is the latest portrait of a former premier to be displayed at Parliament House.
The most recent was that of Will Hodgman, Gutwein’s predecessor, whose official portrait was unveiled in 2022.
