A $175,000 Portrait of Michael Jackson on a Horse

A portrait of Michael dressed as a king, riding a white horse with angels, measuring 3.51 by 3.1 meters, was sold at an auction at the Dutch Project Art Gallery in New York for $175,000 to a German collector. The portrait was inspired by the painting “King Philip II.”

Michael did not see the completed version of this work before his death. Its creator is New York artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley says he received the commission for the portrait in 2008. “I was receiving a number of voice messages saying that Michael Jackson wanted to call me. I ignored them because I thought it was a joke.”

After reviewing the messages, Wiley realized they were real. Michael had seen Wiley’s works at the Brooklyn Museum of Art and was eager to commission a portrait of him. After an hour and a half of phone conversation about the portrait, it was decided that Michael would be depicted in the guise of the lords of past centuries. Wiley sent Michael several historical portraits so he could choose the design he wanted. But unfortunately, before Michael could attend the photo sessions for this portrait and see his completed portrait, he passed away.

Wiley says that during his conversation with Michael Jackson, he was impressed by Michael’s artistic knowledge.

Wiley created his portrait of Michael inspired by the Equestrian Portrait of King Philip I and called it a tribute to the memory of Michael.

After Michael’s death, Wiley felt he was obligated to finish the portrait. He expressed hope: “I hope he is satisfied with this portrait.”

The portrait was unveiled in December in Miami Beach.

Source: eMJey / Telegraph