Angela Merkel's many faces – in pictures

Merkel shows her frustration as Nicolas Sarkozy plays with Rubik’s Cube key chain during negotiations.
Photograph: Georges Gobet/AFP/Getty Images

An enigmatic expression that asks more questions that it answers, including “Who is she sitting next to?” Photograph: JAN BAUER/AP

Campaigning: Merkel’s “I can’t hear you” gesture fails to ignite fans of her austerity programme.
Photograph: Rolf H. Seyboldt/Seyboldtpress

Entertaining the former German president and his wife with her Frankie Howerd impersonation – “the best in Europe”.
Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

One of us: Merkel beams as German-made parrot-attracting suit exceeds expectations in trials. Photograph: FRANZI Z GER/AFP/Getty Images

Secretly enjoys Carlos Santana guitar solo (Europa) during otherwise boring summit.
Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Early attempt at Francois Hollande impersonation. “Still a bit too Frankie Howerd,” say cabinet colleagues. Photograph: FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS

Selects new prosthetic hands ahead of meeting with Greek ministers.
Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

An emotional moment as Dr Merkel posthumously awards brave goose, killed in tanning booth explosion, Germany’s highest honour.
Photograph: Odd Anderson/AFP/Getty Images

Delays official photo after discovering Romanian president Traian Basescu used to be a dentist.
Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

Barack said he would ring, but then he didn’t ring.
Photograph: Michaela Rehle/Reuters

Shows reporters new surgically adjusted ear, resulting in much straighter spectacles.
Photograph: Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters