Situated by Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery focuses on famous individuals and their cultural impact conveyed through their expressions and compositions. Its emphasis is on the subjects of the portraits rather than on the artist who created them.
During my recent visit, I was struck by the depth these portraits hold, especially in the pop culture section (my favourite section here), which brings iconic musicians into sharp, cultural focus. Renowned Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung believed we all share a kind of inner framework, which he called the ‘collective unconscious’, filled with universal roles or archetypes; as follows:-
Adele, for example, carries heartbreak and wisdom in a glance. She represents Jung’s archetypes of The Lover, full of raw feeling, and The Sage, offering emotional wisdom through song.
Amy Winehouse embodies the Tragic Hero, expressing cries for help in her songs, and the Shadow, unafraid to confront the darkest sides of fame and emotion.
Harry Styles is portrayed through the lens of painter David Hockney. Comfortable in an androgynous look, he embodies the Explorer, always changing and seeking, as well as the Rebel, at ease with pushing against stereotypes.
In one portrait, footballer Marcus Rashford appears quiet and thoughtful, while the other reveals a more relaxed and personal side. He clearly embodies The Hero, both as an athlete and an advocate, as well as The Caregiver, using his platform to support children and address social inequality with empathy and purpose.
There’s fashion designer Paul Smith, captured in a casual but stylish pose. I occasionally still visit his shop in Floral Street, Covent Garden, which had its heyday in the late 90s .. well for me anyway!
These figures resonate across cultures because they reflect something profoundly human. That’s the power of the collective unconscious, a shared emotional language that transforms public figures into symbolic storytellers of the human experience.
The NPG reminds us that these are more than celebrities; they’re cultural innovators, influencers, and trendsetters. If you have time to wander and think, it’s definitely worth checking out.
NPG Images of various, Amy Winehouse and Nelson Mandela, respectively. ©National Portrait Gallery, taken by Kail, presented here for non-commercial use.
NPG Images of Harry Styles, Paul Smith and Marcus Rashford, respectively. ©National Portrait Gallery, taken by Kail, presented here for non-commercial use.