Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted Donald Trump a mysterious portrait in March, a gift that has now been publicly revealed by the artist himself, A2 CNN reports. The portrait, created by renowned Russian painter Nikas Safronov, depicts the former US president raising his fist high on stage, blood on his face and a visible wound, moments after the failed assassination attempt on him in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024.
Safronov, who has previously portrayed world figures such as Pope Francis, Narendra Modi and Kim Jong Un, told CNN that he was contacted by unidentified individuals who invited him to paint Trump “as he saw him.” He did not have full knowledge of the commissioners, but he suspected that the Kremlin was behind them. “Later, Putin himself called me and told me that the portrait was an important step towards improving relations with the US,” the artist recounts.
According to Safronov, he decided not to charge for the work, considering the gift a friendly gesture between the two nations. The portrait, described as “a beautiful work” by Trump’s intermediary, Steve Witkoff, emotionally touched the US president.
The painting now resides in the White House, after the official portrait of Barack Obama was moved there. The dramatic image of Trump with his fist raised and his face bloodied was used as a symbol of strength and bravery in his presidential campaign.
The Kremlin has not yet given an official comment on this story. (A2 Televizion)
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