Barack Obama’s White House portrait, which depicts him standing against a stark white backdrop with strong lighting from one side casting a shadow over part of his face, was executed by Pennsylvania-born portrait painter Robert McCurdy.
In a White House ceremony on Wednesday, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden revealed the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The Obamas and the Bidens were present in the East Room for the unveiling of the portraits, which the White House Historical Association had purchased and commissioned. Robert McCurdy painted Barack Obama’s portrait, while Sharon Sprung painted Michelle Obama’s. Both paintings were created from photos that the individual painters had shot.
The Obamas joined the Bidens in the East Room for the reveal of the portraits, which were acquired and commissioned by the White House Historical Association.
Barack Obama’s portrait was painted by Robert McCurdy, and Michelle Obama’s portrait was painted by Sharon Sprung. Both were painted from photographs taken by the respective artists.