This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A portrait of the former Ukip leader Nigel Farage failed to attract a single bid at one of Britain’s most prestigious art shows.

The painting, which shows Farage in his trademark purple-striped tie, was featured in the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition. The work, by David Griffiths, was priced at £25,000, but failed to attract any interest.

Farage is plotting a political comeback, after stepping down as Ukip leader in November 2016. He is to join the Leave Means Leave campaign to challenge Theresa May’s plans for a soft Brexit.

Griffiths, whose other well-known subjects include the Prince of Wales, said he was not too disappointed the portrait had not sold. “These things ebb and flow,” he told the Sun. “Prices of paintings, like everything else, aren’t set in stone. It would certainly be gratifying if Nigel’s portrait were to find a good home.”

The idea of painting Farage was suggested by a mutual friend, Griffiths said. “He is a major figure, whatever you think of him. He’s Mr Brexit, isn’t he?”

At the same show, which was curated by the artist Grayson Perry, a painting by Paul Selley of the Brexiter Jacob Rees-Mogg sold for £450.