The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery this week unveiled Oprah Winfrey’s portrait as its latest addition to the gallery.
The 6-foot-10-inch tall portrait was created by Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren, who was also present as Oprah pulled down the black cloth covering it in front of friends, family and media.
According to the National Portrait Gallery, the choice of Oprah’s grand plum purple gown was inspired by her role as Sofia in the film “The Color Purple.”
On the eve of my 70th birthday, to have a portrait included in the National Portrait Gallery, alongside all the greats, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and Ida B. Wells, Michelle and Barack Obama, Lena Horne, John F. Kennedy . – Oprah Winfrey
Courtesy – NPG
