Official portraits of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama were unveiled in their presence during a glittering ceremony at the White House in Washington on September 7.
And for the first time, the official names of the artists have been revealed — Robert McCurdy, who painted President Obama’s portrait, and Sharon Sprung, the artist behind Ms. Obama’s portrait.
Along with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and President Joe Biden also attended the ceremony.
During the ceremony, Mr. Biden described Mr. Obama and Ms. Michelle Obama as being very dear to the hearts of Americans.
“Jill and I have been waiting to host events at the White House since the pandemic ended for a very long time, and it’s fitting, fitting that we can do that now by unveiling the portraits of two dear friends and two great Americans who are still held very tightly in the hearts of the American people, portraits that are going to hang in the walls of this sacred place, the people’s house, forever, and a portrait of the president himself a reminder of all here and now for those to come to power that hope and change matters,” Mr. Biden said during the ceremony in the East Room of the White House.