Why Nobel Prize winners receive hand-drawn gold leaf portraits

After news organizations embraced the drawings in 2012 and 2013, the Nobel Foundation requested a formal visual style for all future announcements. In 2014, Elmehed introduced portraits using strong black outlines paired with blue and yellow shadows. In 2017, the Nobel Prize underwent a visual rebranding that designated gold as its primary brand color, prompting Elmehed to adapt his artistic technique.

To achieve the distinct look, Elmehed experimented with various paints before selecting ultra-thin metal gold foil affixed with specialized glue. Every portrait is painted by hand using black acrylic paint for outlines on a white background, supplemented by metallic gold foil to add texture and depth. The high-contrast design ensures clarity across all mediums, from mobile app thumbnails to massive displays in Times Square.

Operating under strict confidentiality agreements, Elmehed is among the few individuals outside the Nobel committees informed of the winners' identities shortly before the official public reveal. Working under tight deadlines, he completes each portrait within hours, balancing speed with artistic accuracy. Despite the prevalence of digital tools and artificial intelligence, the Nobel Foundation maintains this handcrafted tradition as a timeless visual hallmark of the prize.