What's happened
A portrait of Donald Trump painted in 2021 by Ronald Sherr has not been publicly displayed, partly due to Trump's preference for a different image. Discussions are ongoing about creating a new portrait that better represents his full presidential terms, amid ongoing debates about his visual legacy.
What's behind the headline?
The delay in unveiling Trump’s official portrait reflects his desire to craft a visual legacy that aligns with his current political ambitions. The original portrait by Ronald Sherr, praised for capturing Trump’s energy and resolve, now appears to be viewed as a relic of his first term. Trump's preference for a new, more comprehensive portrait signals an effort to shape his historical image proactively. This move underscores how personal branding remains central to his political strategy, even in the realm of art. The Smithsonian’s reluctance to publicly display the original portrait highlights the tension between institutional protocol and Trump’s influence. The ongoing discussions about a second portrait suggest that Trump aims to control his visual narrative, which could influence how future generations perceive his presidency. The controversy over his images also reveals the broader cultural debate about presidential legacy and the role of art in shaping political memory. Ultimately, this story foreshadows a continued battle over Trump’s historical image, with implications for how political figures manage their legacies through art and public perception.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Trump’s 2021 portrait by Ronald Sherr has not been publicly displayed, partly due to his desire for a different image that better encapsulates his entire presidency. The article notes that Trump has expressed appreciation for the original portrait but now prefers a new one that includes both his first and potential second terms. The New York Times adds that the original portrait depicts Trump at a rally with the White House in the background and that White House officials are considering a second portrait to represent his full presidency. The Times also highlights Trump’s ongoing dissatisfaction with images of himself, often airing grievances on Truth Social about photographs and paintings he dislikes, including a distorted painting in Colorado and a Time Magazine cover. The discussions about a new portrait are linked to his political ambitions and desire to shape his legacy, with the Smithsonian reportedly being cautious about the timing and nature of the new artwork.
How we got here
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery commissioned Ronald Sherr to paint Trump shortly after he left office in 2021. The portrait, depicting Trump at a rally with the White House in the background, was never publicly exhibited due to Trump’s announcement in 2022 that he would run again. Traditionally, presidential portraits are displayed after leaving office, but Trump’s ongoing political ambitions have complicated this process. He has expressed dissatisfaction with existing images, often criticizing photographs and paintings of himself on social media, which has further delayed the portrait’s public unveiling.
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