A surprising influence on Obama’s portrait: Abraham Lincoln

[Eva Elisabeth]

Is the WP author's take on the painting the same as the artist's intention?

Floating, yes. And overgrown. Lincoln stood firm. The idea of diversity is one nice thing, but his Rolex separates him from the majority of Kenyans. (Speaking of symbolism, Rosa canina as other roses was a symbol of luxury and lavishness in Ancient Rome...)

I like the painting as it reminds me of a naive Rousseau (the "jungle" and technique) or modern Hopper (the air of isolation), painters I like. However, I find it very unfavorable for a Presidential portrait unless you want it so. Also the grim facial expression and crossed arms towards the observer I don't perceive as much embracing, v.v.

Healy's painting is one of my favorites, too. David, if you click on the second picture in my post above you get the very painting enlarged. I'm afraid I cannot post another way.