People Have Strong Reactions To Barack And Michelle Obama's Portraits

Jenna Amatulli
Updated

The official portraits for former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were unveiled on Monday at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and people have so much to say about them.

Michelle Obama’s portrait, painted by Amy Sherald, depicts the former first lady in a white dress with geometric patterns, set in front of a pale blue background:

Former first lady Michelle Obama's portrait that will be on display in the National Portrait Gallery. (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Former first lady Michelle Obama's portrait that will be on display in the National Portrait Gallery. (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

Barack Obama’s portrait, painted by Kehinde Wiley, showed the president wearing a suit (but no tie) and seated in a chair with a backdrop of leaves and flowers:

The portrait of former President Barack Obama that will be on display in the gallery. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
The portrait of former President Barack Obama that will be on display in the gallery. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The paintings, both done by black artists, sparked many reactions on social media:

Some people made pretty hilarious jokes:

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Many celebrities shared their thoughts too. Actor and comedian Chris Rock called Barack Obama the “real Black Panther,” while musician Common called the former first couple’s portrait “beautiful.”

Director Ava DuVernay said the portraits reminded her to hope. Model Chrissy Teigen simply asked that Barack “come back” and pleaded for Michelle to “help us.”

What do YOU think of the portraits?

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The Obamas onstage a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2012.
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Barack Obama embraces Michelle Obama as they wait to speak at a rally on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 17, 2010.
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Barack and Michelle Obama kiss at an inauguration reception at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20, 2013, in Washington.
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The Obamas attend the "Christmas in Washington" taping at the National Building Museum in Washington on Dec. 13, 2009.
Michelle Obama wipes something from Barack Obama's forehead during a dinner at the Schloss Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin on June 19, 2013.
Michelle Obama wipes something from Barack Obama's forehead during a dinner at the Schloss Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin on June 19, 2013.
The Obamas in Kenya in 1992. 
The Obamas in Kenya in 1992. 
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Michelle and Barack Obama get into character as they read Where the Wild Things Are at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on March 28, 2016.
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The Obamas watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the roof of the White House on July 4, 2010.
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Barack Obama asks Michelle Obama to dance at the Inaugural Ball in Washington on Jan. 21, 2013.
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Barack Obama watches as Michelle Obama putts during a round of mini golf at Pirate's Island Golf on Aug. 14, 2010, in Panama City Beach, Florida.
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Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's hands rest on the railing of a boat during a tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, Florida, on Aug. 15, 2010.
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The Obamas dance during the Western Inaugural Ball on Jan. 20, 2009, in Washington.
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Barack Obama and Michelle Obama on the evening of his first inauguration, Jan. 20, 2009.
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The Obamas hug at a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Barack Obama and Michelle Obama walk toward Marine One across the South Lawn of the White House.
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The Obamas on their wedding day, Oct. 3, 1992.
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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