Robert Vickrey (American, 1926-2011). Egg yolk tempera on paperboard portrait of Jomo Kenyatta, former Prime Minister (1963-1964) and subsequently President (1964-1978) of Kenya and anti-colonial activist. Signed along the left margin. This painting depicts Kenyatta commissioned by TIME Magazine in 1964. Vickrey provided 77 cover illustration portraits for TIME Magazine during his career.

Exhibitions: Miami University Art Museum, "Robert Vickrey: Recent Paintings," March 19 - May 8, 1988.

Provenance: The Harmon Gallery, Naples, Florida; Private Minnesota Collection.

Jomo Kenyatta (Kenyan, 1897-1978) was an anti-colonial activist and politician who played a significant role in the transformation of Kenya from a colony of the British Empire into an independant republic as the country's first indigenous head of government. Born in Kiambu, British East Africa, he became politically active through the Kikuyu Central Association and travelled to London in 1929 to lobby for Kikuyu land affairs. He co-organized the 1945 Pan-African Congress in Manchester before returning to Kenya the next year to become a school principal. The following year he was elected as the President of the Kenya African Union, attracting much indigenous support but animosity from white colonialists. In 1952, he was incorrectly arrested as a part of the Kapenguria Six for allegedly masterminding the Mau Mau Uprising. Upon his release from prison he successfully was elected President of KANU and led them to victory in the general election to achieve the position of Prime Minister. As Prime Minister he transitioned Kenya from a colony to a nation and became president in 1964. Kenyatta died in 1978 of a heart attack while in office. Though he has been lauded as the Father of the Nation and was given the honorary title of Mzee, his rule was often criticised as dictatorial, authoritatrian, and neocolonial.
Sight; height: 15 in x width: 10 1/2 in. Framed; height: 26 3/4 in x width: 22 in. The artwork is in good condition. The colors are bold and bright. There are no visible tears, losses, or creases. There is a minute accretion to the lower left corner of the artwork. When inspected under UV, there are no visible areas of inpainting or restoration. The artwork has been affixed to the archival mat with framer's tape along all four corners of the verso. Some slight soiling to the mat. The artwork is framed under plexiglass; some light wear to the frame. Please contact us for a detailed condition report. Please note that the lack of a condition statement does not imply perfect condition. Email condition@revereauctions.com with any condition questions.