A POSTER IS NOW AVAILABLE
For Legacy and Burial of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Painting
We keep images of heroes, great achievers, and historical figures in our homes and offices, because they inspire and encourage us, give us hope, make us dream, and bring out the best in us. Their influence raises our bars. Their image in our surroundings inspires and encourages us to make our dreams possible. This is why posters of great paintings are popular in museums.
You never know, your environment could be inspiring the next Lincoln, Leonardo da Vinci, Mother Teresa or next great leader.
The subject was originally conceived from the classical religious subject “The Entombment” which had been painted in a more idealistic manner by renaissance artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio as well as Rubens and Anthony Van Dyke.
The three main colors red, white and blue used in this painting represent the colors of the United States of America. Since Dr. King fought not only for blacks or for Americans and had himself come from a very diverse background, the figures in the painting represent all racial groups. Everything in this painting is a result of close observation of ordinary people and my everyday surrounding. The figures are my friends, the cemetery is in Queens where l live, near where Louis Armstrong was buried. The pigeons are from Union Square, emphasizing that Dr. King was a man who lived amongst us.
The two small panels represent students of today. Before Dr. King, only a few students from all racial backgrounds and genders could obtain an education in the U.S. Now women and nearly every ethnic group are represented in almost every educational institution. The four figures/students represent several ethnic groups – Irish, Italian, Asian, African (self-portrait; representing Africa), Russian. The Indian helper at Dr. Martin Luther King’s feet represents Gandhi’s influence on Dr. Martin Luther King, the three poles in the far distance allude to crucifixion. And why we crucify our messengers
Contemporary use of Classical allegory in the painting. Birds (Pigeons, Doves) Instead of the ideal white dove which is a traditional symbol of freedom, peace and good news, the birds here are colorful pigeons. They are tied up with string (a symbol of freedom yet to come) and waiting to be released (after Dr. King’s death). The only excited birds are the semi-white ones, not the black pigeon at the foot of the figure with the string, knowing that for blacks freedom would not come easily.
As Dr. King is about to end his journey the skull/skeleton represents a welcoming from other leaders to the new world Dr. King is about to enter. The skull also reminds us of how once it was as we are and one day we too will be as it is. Also, when we look at ourselves in the mirror and imagine the skull underneath our different skin colors and shades of skin, we realize how humble, similar, and equal we all are.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poster for courage and inspiration to all who dream of pursuing purposeful lives.
Sam Adoquei Artist Bio
Mr. Adoquei is on the faculty of the National Academy School of Fine Art. He has taught at the New York Academy of figurative Arts, the Art Students League of New York, the Educational Alliance and the Lyme Academy of Art in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Mr. Adoquei’s artworks have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. and other galleries and museums. He is also the author of Origin of Inspiration and How Successful Artists Study, both of which are Strand Books No.1 Bestsellers. Also the founder of The Skin Tones Project/Movement.
The artist’s paintings have appeared on the covers of books, magazines, and newspapers, including a highly favorable “New York Times” article about Mr. Adoquei’s painting, “The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King”. Also in 2015 Mr. Adoquei was commissioned by Columbia University to paint a portrait for their permanent collection.
About five years ago the Harvard Club commissioned a portrait by Mr. Adoquei, and this portrait is now hanging among some of history’s best portrait artists in the collection of the Harvard Club.
Recently, the city of Pomport, Bergerac, France awarded Mr. Adoquei the City’s Medal of Honor for his contribution and dedication to the arts and culture of the area. In 2014 Mr. Adoquei was invited to join the Board of Advisors of the Portrait Society of America.
Educational Institutions, Churches and Teachers
SPECIAL SALE
February:
Black History Month
Signed and Autograph Print
By Samuel Adoquei
Originally
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