Kehinde Wiley and Michael Jackson

Portrait of Michael Jackson entitled: "Equestrian Portrait of King Philip II"

"Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps" 2005

The Kehinde Wiley painting that hangs in the Brooklyn Museum atrium

image: brooklynmuseum.org

Kehinde Wiley

Michael Jackson commissioned a portrait by artist Kehinde Wiley in 2008 after being entranced by Wiley's massive painting in the atrium of the Brooklyn Museum. Kehinde Wiley's heroic portraits of African American men in classical poses would prove to be the ideal setting for the legendary King of Pop. Tragically, Michael Jackson did not live to see the completed Rubens inspired, 12 foot painting which was sold in December 2009 at Art Basel Miami by dealer Jeffrey Deitch to a Berlin Museum for $175,000 USD.

For more information on artist Kehinde Wiley please visit his website here.

Source: Art in America