In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave Donald Trump a portrait of the US leader.
The painting was presented by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, who, in an interview with podcast host Tucker Carlson, described her as “a beautiful portrait” made by a “prominent Russian artist.” Trump, he added, was “clearly moved.”
But the portrait itself was not publicly revealed.
Now, the artist behind the work commissioned by Kremlin gave the CNN An exclusive view of what it claims to be the portrait.
The painting, which shows Trump lifting his hand on stage after the attempted murder at his Butler rally, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, is the work of Nikas Safronov, one of Russia’s most famous artists.
“It was important for me to show the blood, the scar and his courage during the attack. He has not collapsed or scared, but raised his arm to show that he is one with America and that he will return what she deserves.”
Nikas Safronov, in an interview with CNN, in Moscow
Safronov knows well portraits of world leaders, and painted dozens of global figures, including Pope Francis, Indian President Narendra Modi, and North Korean Kim Jong Un.
For his portrait of Trump, Safronov said it was “visited by some people who wanted me to paint Trump the way I see him.”
Initially, he did not know who his “visitors were,” he added, explaining that, as a prominent artist, “there are clients who do not go into detail,” but he suspected they were from Kremlin.
“When I started the portrait, I realized that it could bring our countries closer and decided not to charge anything because I suspected what this painting would serve,” said the artist.
However, he states that Putin himself contacted him later, saying that Trump’s flatter portrait was an important step in improving Russia’s relationship with the United States.
Kremlin did not immediately respond to a comment.
The portrait that Safronov showed the CNN which he claims that Putin gave to Trump is similar to a painting that is now hung on the great foyer of the White House after an official portrait of former president Barack Obama was transferred from there.
Trump’s dramatic image lifting his right fist, with his splashed face, became a symbol of strength in his presidential campaign.
This content was originally published in The story behind the portrait Putin allegedly presented Trump on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
