The Forgotten Man - Painting by Jon McNaughton

Against the background of a darkening sky, all of the past Presidents of the United States gather before the White House, as if to commemorate some great event. In the left hand corner of the painting sits a man. That man, with his head bowed appears distraught and hopeless as he contemplates his future. Some of the past Presidents try to console him while looking in the direction of the modern Presidents as if to say, "What have you done?" Many of these modern Presidents, seemingly oblivious to anything other than themselves, appear to be congratulating each other on their great accomplishments. In front of the man, paper trash is blowing in the wind. Crumpled dollar bills, legislative documents, and, like a whisper—the U.S. Constitution beneath the foot of Barack Obama.

The Forgotten Man - Painting by Jon McNaughton

reply to post by bigrex


very very cool painting i want one

Amazing. What a powerful video, yet so accurate as it only shows one image. The words sent chills down my spine and filled my heart with a mix of anger and a feeling those earlier presidents look to be feeling. Great video OP S+F for a find of a great work of art worth way more than a million words.

Very cool painting.

I guess it stands true that a picture is worth a thousand words..although probably more for this case.

Great post man,

S+F for you.

that painting will be in student text books im sure. everyone can relate to the forgotten man because he is you or me.

reply to post by bigrex


Breathtaking, sobering, ominous (sp?), frightening, chill bumps, sad, heart breaking, depressing, maddening, mind boggeling, God help us all.
Seeashrink

A beautiful picture: the message that it sends is incredibly powerful.

I'm actually contemplating buying the 16x24 litho version for my father and myself. Thank you for this (S&F).

Cool painting

2nd

Interesting website as well. You can mouse over the painting and read a little history about the U.S and the president at the time.
www.mcnaughtonart.com...

Inaccurate painting is inaccurate.

There needs to be an edit showing Reagan, Bush Jr. And Sr clapping and applauding with the others.

who is that guy?

Interesting idea but the questionably portrayal of FDR standing along with the other Presidents is a big enough historical slight to undermine my confidence in the accuracy of the artists political commentary.

reply to post by Drunkenparrot


not only FDR but it shows Bush jr with a look of concern, and Reagen too.

Personally i think Reagan would be clapping and bush should be taking a piss on the constitution.

Pretty good artwork. Definitely made with the intent to be controversial. The way the guy is sitting on the park bench reminds me of sad Keanu Reeves

Originally posted by Drunkenparrot
Interesting idea but the questionably portrayal of FDR standing along with the other Presidents is a big enough historical slight to undermine my confidence in the accuracy of the artists political commentary.

You have to understand that his commentary is about constitutionality, FDR took a lot of powers to himself during the depression, similar to what GW Bush did during 911. FDR did more things which were beyond the bounds of his alloted constitutional authority than any president before him.

Thank you so much for this one. It's so true.

The stroke of the brush by this artist is undeniably talented.
Some of the ideas portrayed in some of his other works are lacking due to his beliefs of what he has been taught or has learned and experienced based on his knowledge.
IMO.

Originally posted by A por uvas
The stroke of the brush by this artist is undeniably talented.
Some of the ideas portrayed in some of his other works are lacking due to his beliefs of what he has been taught or has learned and experienced based on his knowledge.
IMO.

Could you point out an example or two?

reply to post by bigrex


His ideas and thoughts revolve around his faith and experiences.

Originally posted by A por uvas
reply to post by bigrex

 

His ideas and thoughts revolve around his faith and experiences.

Well, that seems pretty natural to me, all anyone has to draw upon is our own research, knowledge, and beliefs. I don't know, in general it all seemed pretty insightful to me, of course each artist will produce their own portrayal of subjects. At least he backs up his portayals with descriptions for each area scrolled over on the artwork layout. I think that is more than is provided by most artists. I suppose one could say the same thing about Norman Rockwell, his artwork reflects his belief and experiences. I doubt that makes it inherently lacking in and of itself. It's artwork, not a thesis on scientific theory or discourse. Of course, everyone is free to perceive any piece of art as they will, your view is probably as valid as his view. Art is subjective.