Famous presidential portraits: From Trump to Obama

In celebration of Joe Biden’s inauguration as president of the United States, Artalistic has selected some of the most intriguing presidential portraits. Journey into American art history with this unique look at American politics through an artistic lens.

Famous portraits of US presidents

Criticized or applauded, caricaturized or idealized, American presidents are often depicted by artists. They have been the subject of painters, sculptors and other visual artists over the past two centuries, testifying to their appeal and passion inducing allure.

Mount Rushmore: the most famous presidential portrait ever created

Mount Rushmore is one of the most monumental presidential portraits in US history. It is located in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Construction, which was overseen by the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, began in 1925 and ended in 1941. This colossal work of art represents four American presidents: George Washington (1732-1799), Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) and Abraham Lincoln (1743-1865).

A contemporary artist’s take on Mount Rushmore

Several artists have done their own spin on Mount Rushmore over the last century - it would be impossible to list them all. However, we would like to showcase this recent painting by the French Pop and Street Artist Onemizer entitled Mount Rushmore and the Presidents (2019). Cyril Valade, or Onemizer, has modernized this iconic image with his signature graffiti style.

Famous presidential portrait: Shepard Fairey - Obama Vote (2008)

Known under the nom de plume Obey, Shepard Fairey, is a very influential and politically charged artist who is well known for his silkscreen of Obama. A key figure in the world of contemporary art, he actively supported Barack Obama during his presidential campaign against John McCain in 2008. Shepard Fairey's silkscreen prints are some of the most famous presidential portraits of the modern era. Fairey’s posters are iconic pieces from the 2008 presidential election. 

Cleon Peterson - Useless Idiot (Red) (2019)

Let's not beat around the bush: Cleon Peterson's Useless Idiot refers to Donald Trump. Here again, the Seattle-born American graphic designer’s political commitment is proudly put on display. This three-color silkscreen takes an undeniable stand against a man who has been described by many as being power-hungry, greedy narcissist. Here Peterson appropriates two of America's symbols of strength - the cross and the scales of justice.

Mr. Brainwash - President’s Day Bandanna (2018)

The Frenchman Thierry Guetta aka Mr. Brainwash or MBW created this famous presidential portrait of George Washington in 2018. This humorous and inventive piece is part of a series depicting the president wearing eccentric, out-of-era accessories such as a bandana.

Shepard Fairey - Lesser Gods Nixon (2019)

Obey strikes again with this prolific silkscreen denouncing the lies and corruption that plague American society. This piece resembles a stamp depicting President Nixon, which mimics the look of the American dollar bill - a symbol of power. This is an obvious reference to the Watergate scandal that precipitated Nixon's downfall.

Thomas Dellert - The American Dream Couple (2020)

This piece created by Thomas Dellert-Bergh in 2020 is already making a name for itself. The French artist creates a provocative and satirical tone by superimposing Marylin Monroe on the arm of John F. Kennedy, replacing Jackie Kennedy’s image. This is a controversial piece that is a parable of America’s puritanical yet hypocritical nature while blatantly pointing out the connection between this emblematic President and Hollywood’s Blonde Bombshell.

Christian Britz - Obama (2008)

Political content is also not a foreign concept for Christian Britz, whose abstract illusionism features portraits of emblematic figures. This watercolor of Barack Obama was created in 2008. It may not be as famous as Obey's presidential portrait, but its visual treatment of the topic of political representation by the media is very tactful. The visual stamping of his name creates a metaphor for the dissipation of his message through over-mediatization.

Shepard Fairey - Demagogue (2016)

Obey had to broach the topic of Donald Trump! He created this piece for the cover of the single Demagogue by the British rock band Franz Ferdinand. Shepard Fairey was inspired by George Orwell's book, 1984, which depicts a dystopian future where totalitarian regimes rule.

Bambi - Lie Lie Land (2018)

We wrap up our selection of famous presidential US portraits with the talented British Street Artist Bambi – who is considered to be “the female Banksy.” Here Bambi created a parody of the film La, La Land by portraying Donald Trump dancing with Theresa May – the leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019. This piece underlines the disturbing globalization of politics, based on lies and alienation. Bambi posted this piece on a wall in London’s Islington district in 2017.