Oprah Winfrey’s portrait is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren painted Winfrey in a purple taffeta dress amidst a lush garden at her California home. The full-length 70 3/16 × 56 1/8" portrait, commissioned for the museum’s permanent collection, will be on view on the museum’s first floor beginning Dec. 13.
As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur, Winfrey has made significant contributions to American popular culture, which earned her a place in the National Portrait Gallery.
The painting was revealed in an invitation-only ceremony the morning of Dec. 13 in the museum’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard. Speakers included Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet, Winfrey and Warren. More luminaries from television, publishing, business, arts, culture and Hollywood were in attendance at the portrait reveal.
“Through her rise to fame as host and producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with people and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves,” Sajet said. “Her vision and spirit deserve recognition in the nation’s Portrait Gallery, and we are delighted to celebrate her with this commissioned portrait by Shawn Michael Warren, who has reflected her warmth and compassion in this painting.”