Portrait of Kurt Waldheim
This portrait was painted by Everett Kinstler, an accomplished American artist. Kinstler’s style is slightly impressionistic, with strong visible brushstrokes, giving the impression of quick, yet thought-out movements. Kinstler once said: “The camera records a moment; the painter makes a statement.”
Everett Kinstler (1926 – 2019) was well known in the 1940s and 1950s for his work in comic books. In the 1950s, he began his portraiture work which included over 1200 portraits of important leaders in business, entertainment, and government, including 8 USA Presidents. For 70 years, he lived and worked at the National Arts Club and painted many subjects there. In 2018, he was honoured at the Club’s 120th anniversary celebration for his outstanding career and commitment to the arts. He was also honoured with a Portraits, Inc. Lifetime Achievement Award for which an annual scholarship is awarded in his name.
Kurt Josef Waldheim (1918 – 2007) was an Austrian politician and diplomat. He served as the fourth United Nations Secretary-General from 1972 to 1981. He was later President of Austria from 1986 to 1992. He addressed several international conferences supported by the United Nations including the UN Conference on Trade and Development (1972), UN Conference on the Law of the Sea (1974), the Third World Population Conference (1974), and the World Food Conference (1974).
Both United Nations Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar and former Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim were present at the unveiling with Perez de Cuellar presenting portrait.
Please note the portrait of Herbert H. Lehman (1878-1963), within the United Nations art collection, was also completed by artist Everett Kinstler.