Former President Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle unveiled their official Presidential portraits today, at the US National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.
Presidents usually commission an oil painting once their term in office has finished.
And their successors often display portraits of former Presidents whom they admire in the oval office. Donald Trump hangs the portrait of populist President Andrew Jackson to the left of his desk in the oval.
President Obama’s portrait was painted by Kehinde Wiley, who is known for vibrant, large-scale paintings of African Americans.
True to form, it portrays the former President sitting on a chair, leaning forward with his arms crossed, surrounded by verdant plants.
Michelle Obama’s painting is by Baltimore artist Amy Sherald.
She’s shown, again, sitting forward with her chin resting on her hand, in a full length dress.
The dress she’s shown wearing is by US designer Milly by Michelle, a brand loved by Beyonce and Solange Knowles.
After the painting was unveiled, Michelle said: “Let’s just start by saying, ‘wow.’ I am a little overwhelmed to say the least.”
Wiley is the first African-American artist ever chosen to paint an official Presidential portrait.
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