“Queen for a Day” is a mural by Mariana Duarte Santos, created for Zambujal 360 Project on gender equality, part of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Details
Artist:
Mariana Duarte Santos
Location:
Portugal
Year:
2023
Tagged:
Portrait
The mural cleverly uses the game of chess to highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality, with a nod to how men and women compete equally in this traditionally male-dominated space. It features the final position from a famous 2002 match where Judit Polgar, one of the greatest female chess players, beat Garry Kasparov.

Set in the Bairro do Zambujal neighbourhood, the mural brings local residents to life, with the background filled with books celebrating influential women and those who fought for equality. It’s a thoughtful tribute to the diverse community and the stories that shape our world.