CHAZ GEST SAID HE TOOK AN INFORMAL APPROACH TO THE WORK WHICH IS INFLUENCED BY THE TEENAGER’S NATIVE ETHIOPIA.

Angelina Jolie’s eldest daughter Zahara is “destined for greatness”, according to the artist who painted this previously unseen portrait of her.

Chaz Guest said he took an informal approach to the work which is influenced by the teenager’s native Ethiopia. She left the country as a baby when the actress adopted her. He said: “I only sat with Zahara about five times and we even played Scrabble. We spoke of Ethiopia and our travel experiences in other countries in Africa.”

The artist, who started in the fashion industry where he was encouraged to paint by his mentor Christian Lacroix, said Zahara was “shy” but “engaged”.

JOLIE AND HER CHILDRENGETTY IMAGES

He said: “She is otherworldly, an old soul who can discuss anything from politics to the mysteries of outer space. When we first met, I saw this regal 14-year-old young girl on the verge of womanhood destined for greatness.”

The painting shows her hair decorated with gold coins inscribed with her name and birth date in the Ethiopian language Amharic, an “homage to the land of her birth”.

CHAS GUEST

Guest said: “Her reaction was one that I will never forget. The unveiling took place at her home with her mother and siblings. At first, the room was silent and still. Then there were whispers saying how beautiful they thought she was. Angie told me ‘Thank you for helping me show her, her beautiful self.’