NEWS
26.05.26
Elnur Makhmudov’s Works in the Windsor Castle Collection
The works of Azerbaijani artist Elnur Makhmudov have become part of the collection of Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.
The artist’s connection with the British Royal Family has become an important part of his artistic journey. Through Azerbaijan’s participation in the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Elnur Makhmudov has had the opportunity to present his work to members of the Royal Family, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation.
The artist’s connection with the British Royal Family has become an important part of his artistic journey. Through Azerbaijan’s participation in the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Elnur Makhmudov has had the opportunity to present his work to members of the Royal Family, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation.
The artist first took part in the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2024. On that occasion, he presented King Charles III with a classical still life inspired by Azerbaijani culture. An Azerbaijani carpet, traditional textile and tea set were brought together in a composition that reflected the country’s rich cultural heritage through the language of classical painting.
In 2025, Elnur created a second work for King Charles III, this time inspired by the history and symbolism of the British monarchy. The painting took almost a year to complete, from the initial sketches and development of the composition to the final work on canvas. Measuring 1.30 × 1.10 metres, the oil painting brings together a number of important royal symbols.
At the centre of the composition is the crown associated with King Charles III’s coronation. The Sovereign’s Orb, a golden sphere topped with a cross, represents the world and the Christian faith. The sceptre symbolises royal authority, while the sword in the foreground represents strength and protection.
The background of the painting features the lion and the horse, symbols associated with the history and lineage of the British Royal Family. By incorporating these elements, painter created a visual connection to the traditions and history of the monarchy, while interpreting them through his own artistic language.
At the centre of the composition is the crown associated with King Charles III’s coronation. The Sovereign’s Orb, a golden sphere topped with a cross, represents the world and the Christian faith. The sceptre symbolises royal authority, while the sword in the foreground represents strength and protection.
The background of the painting features the lion and the horse, symbols associated with the history and lineage of the British Royal Family. By incorporating these elements, painter created a visual connection to the traditions and history of the monarchy, while interpreting them through his own artistic language.
In 2026, the artist returned to the Royal Windsor Horse Show for the third time. A new still life created for the Royal Family was presented to Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Across these works, Makhmudov explores the meeting point between different cultures and traditions. His paintings bring together Azerbaijani heritage and European history, using classical composition, symbolism and carefully chosen details to create works that carry both cultural and personal meaning.
For the artist, these works represent more than individual commissions. They are part of an ongoing cultural dialogue between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, and an opportunity to introduce Azerbaijani art to an international audience.
Today, Elnur Makhmudov’s works are held in the collection of Windsor Castle, where they remain as a lasting reflection of the artistic and cultural connection between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.
Across these works, Makhmudov explores the meeting point between different cultures and traditions. His paintings bring together Azerbaijani heritage and European history, using classical composition, symbolism and carefully chosen details to create works that carry both cultural and personal meaning.
For the artist, these works represent more than individual commissions. They are part of an ongoing cultural dialogue between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, and an opportunity to introduce Azerbaijani art to an international audience.
Today, Elnur Makhmudov’s works are held in the collection of Windsor Castle, where they remain as a lasting reflection of the artistic and cultural connection between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.
25.01.18
Portrait of Diego Maradona
Azerbaijani artist Elnur Mahmudov painted a portrait of legendary footballer Diego Maradona and presented it to him in person during a meeting in Dubai.
“In the autumn, at a symposium in Izmir, I met a friend who works as a doctor in Dubai. He saw some of my recent work and showed it to someone without telling me who he was. He liked my drawings and commissioned a portrait of Maradona.
I didn’t know I’d have the chance to give the painting to the footballer in person. I thought it was a straightforward commission: paint the portrait and send it off.
When I told the client the painting was finished, he surprised me by arranging a meeting with Maradona in Dubai. I never expected to be the one handing him the portrait.”
“In the autumn, at a symposium in Izmir, I met a friend who works as a doctor in Dubai. He saw some of my recent work and showed it to someone without telling me who he was. He liked my drawings and commissioned a portrait of Maradona.
I didn’t know I’d have the chance to give the painting to the footballer in person. I thought it was a straightforward commission: paint the portrait and send it off.
When I told the client the painting was finished, he surprised me by arranging a meeting with Maradona in Dubai. I never expected to be the one handing him the portrait.”