Axios
Follow
Portrait exhibit brings 47 American presidencies to life
An exhibition at Goldman Sachs features portraits of all 45 US presidents by artist Salvatore Catalano. The exhibit aims to make presidents more accessible to Americans who may not recognize them. Catalano pairs each president's portrait with a quote meant to encapsulate their era or character. He believes portraits add color and life to the sterile lists of presidential names. Catalano's artistic style focuses on color, shadow, and light in his portraiture. He used quotes from each president to inform the way he painted their likeness. For instance, George Washington's portrait was inspired by a warning against false patriotism. John Adams' quote about goodness guided his portrait's style. Thomas Jefferson's statement on press freedom also influenced his depiction. The exhibit presents all 47 presidencies, using historical and modern American flags as framing.