Yinka Shonibare CBE
Painting on canvas • Kehinde Wiley (American, born 1977)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Art, specifically 'The New Black Vanguard' or post-modern portraiture
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, with floral patterns likely inspired by textile motifs
Creation Period
2017
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 72 x 48 inches (life-size); portrait orientation
Subject Description
A full-length portrait of the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare standing against a dense, patterned floral background that breaks the picture plane onto his clothing. The subject wears contemporary attire (a tie-dye shirt and shorts) and holds a hat, adopting a heroic posture reminiscent of Gainsborough's 'The Blue Boy'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the work is currently housed in a major museum collection
Estimated Market Value
$1,500,000 - $3,500,000 USD (based on current market demand for Kehinde Wiley)
Auction Estimate
$2,000,000 - $3,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Commissioned or purchased for the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens; prominently displayed at the Thornton Portrait Gallery.
Art Historical Significance
A pivotal work that creates a dialogue between Contemporary African-Diasporic art and the European Grand Manner tradition. It specifically references Thomas Gainsborough's 18th-century masterpieces, subverting the white, aristocratic history of the Thornton Portrait Gallery by centering a prominent Black artist.
Notable Features
Housed in an ornate, dark-patinated Rococo-style frame that contrasts with the vibrant modern attire. The background pattern features orange lilies that overlap the subject's shins, a signature Wiley technique that blurs the line between the subject and the decorative space.
Condition Issues
None visible; appears to be in pristine original condition
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable environmental controls (50% RH, 70°F). Use museum-grade UV-filtering glass and low-lumens LED lighting to prevent pigment fading. Professional cleaning only by contemporary art specialists.