First Look

Barack And Michelle Obama’s Official Portraits Are Unveiled

February 12, 2018 13:33PM

The former president and First Lady are immortalized in stunning new artwork.

As part of a years-long tradition of commissioning portraits of presidential couples, Michelle and Barack Obama was the latest pair to see their images immortalized in paint at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. on Monday. Click through to see the stunning artwork!

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#PressPlay: President #BarackObama and First Lady #MichelleObama unveiled their official portraits at the #Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery today! Via @cbsnews

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Feb 12, 2018 at 7:56am PST

Ta-da! Acclaimed artist Amy Sherald, with the help of Michelle, as she unveiled the gorgeous portrait of the First Lady gracefully seated while resting her chin on her propped hand. She also donned a beautiful print dress.

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Michelle barack obama national portraits 2

Photo credit: BACKGRID

Michelle was clearly taken by the photo, as she was seen nodding her head in approval. Amy, who became the first woman to win the National Portrait Gallery Outwin Boochever Portrait competition, was honored by the opportunity, calling Michelle “an archetype that a lot of women can relate to — no matter shape, size, race or color. We see our best selves in her.”

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I still remember the days when I prayed for what I have now. In love with every breath and thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength. #lifeofadreamer @highmuseumofart

A post shared by A M Y S H E R A L D (@asherald) on Feb 8, 2018 at 10:53am PST

The 44-year-old took to her Instagram recently to celebrate her recent accomplishments, writing, “I still remember the days when I prayed for what I have now. In love with every breath and thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.”

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Former President Barack Obama's official portrait unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery: https://t.co/WxAWDpwVJK pic.twitter.com/zU2nfAgUfb

— ABC News (@ABC) February 12, 2018

Barack’s portrait was also breathtaking. Celebrated artist Kehinde Wiley took on the massive feat to capture the former president and was clearly up for the challenge.

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Michelle barack obama national portraits 5

Photo credit: BACKGRID

Though Barack called the process of sitting in one position “torturous,” he jokingly revealed that he tried to influence his look in the painting: “I tried to negotiate less gray hair, smaller ears.”

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Michelle barack obama national portraits 6

Photo credit: BACKGRID

What do you think of Michelle and Barack Obama’s official portraits? Sound off in the comment section!

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Ta-da! Acclaimed artist Amy Sherald, with the help of Michelle, as she unveiled the gorgeous portrait of the First Lady gracefully seated while resting her chin on her propped hand. She also donned a beautiful print dress.

Michelle was clearly taken by the photo, as she was seen nodding her head in approval. Amy, who became the first woman to win the National Portrait Gallery Outwin Boochever Portrait competition, was honored by the opportunity, calling Michelle “an archetype that a lot of women can relate to — no matter shape, size, race or color. We see our best selves in her.”

The 44-year-old took to her Instagram recently to celebrate her recent accomplishments, writing, “I still remember the days when I prayed for what I have now. In love with every breath and thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.”

Barack’s portrait was also breathtaking. Celebrated artist Kehinde Wiley took on the massive feat to capture the former president and was clearly up for the challenge.

Though Barack called the process of sitting in one position “torturous,” he jokingly revealed that he tried to influence his look in the painting: “I tried to negotiate less gray hair, smaller ears.”

What do you think of Michelle and Barack Obama’s official portraits? Sound off in the comment section!

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