History Paintings & Portraits of Indian Leaders

Shri Pranab Mukherjee, 2014, Vasudeo Kamath, Oil on Canvas

Location: Guest Wing first floor near stairs

This portrait of Shri Pranab Mukherjee who assumed office as the 13th President of India on 25th July 2012, represents him seated on an upholstered chair. Shri Mukherjee’s gaze is directed towards the onlooker, with resplendent charm. White walls with intricate details form the background. Towards the left of Shri Mukherjee, is a telephone, painted in white. From here, attention is drawn to a miniature model of the Ashoka stambha with the lion capital on top. The eye is then drawn towards the curtain on the extreme left, tied with a tasselled appendant. Attention is also directed to finer details such as his spectacles and chain in the pocket. Commissioned in July, 2014, this portrait is the latest addition to the State Corridor of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Vasudeo Kamath was born in Karkala, Karnataka. After completing school, he joined Sir J.J School of Art in Mumbai. With mastery in portraiture, he has received several awards.

President Pranab Mukherjee has been in public life for over five decades. He has served at different times as Foreign, Defence, Commerce and Finance Minister in the Government of India, before being sworn in as the President of India. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from 1969-1974 and twice to the Lok Sabha (2004-2006).