Portrait of Congressman John Lewis
Painting on canvas • Amy Sherald
Style & Movement
Contemporary American Art, Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing realistic figurative techniques with precise linework, controlled brushwork, and attention to textural details of fabric and interior space
Creation Period
Early 21st century (c. 2021)
Dimensions & Format
Large format vertical rectangle, approximately 54 x 42 inches
Subject Description
A formal seated portrait of civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit with a red tie. He is seated indoors with a table beside him displaying books and a gold-colored trophy or award, against a light-toned interior architectural background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The painting appears well-preserved, clean, and securely mounted in a contemporary black wooden frame.
Estimated Market Value
Museum acquisition value / Priceless within institutional context; comparable major works by the artist command high six-figure to million-dollar ranges at primary and secondary markets
Auction Estimate
Not currently applicable as a museum-held accession, but comparable works would likely estimate between $500,000 to $1,500,000+
Provenance History
Museum collection, commissioned or acquired directly from the artist or her representing gallery
Art Historical Significance
High cultural and historical significance, capturing a monumental figure in American civil rights history by one of the prominent contemporary portraitists of our time
Notable Features
Features the distinctive portraiture style of Amy Sherald, known for her striking depiction of African American figures and cultural icons, prominently displayed in a museum setting complete with gallery wall label
Condition Issues
None readily visible; standard institutional preservation environment applies
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable museum environmental conditions with controlled humidity (45-50%), regulated LED lighting, and regular dusting of the frame