The Presidents of the United States have been immortalized in grand portraits throughout history. It’s very common for Presidents to have multiple official portraits painted during and after their terms are over. So why is everyone talking about the portrait of former President Bill Clinton unveiled back in 2006? Apparently the artist, Nelson Shanks, put a couple of subliminal messages about Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinski in the painting. The 77 year old Shanks recently admitted in an interview that the shadow cast on the fireplace mantle next to Clinton is the shadow of a blue dress he hung on a mannequin. He also painted Clinton without a wedding ring. Both, Shanks says, are a reference to the late 90’s affair with the White House intern implying Clinton will always have the shadow of the affair with Lewinsky over his legacy.
THE CLINTON PORTRAIT