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Russian painter of Trump portrait describes his work as priceless amid current tensions

According to Nikas Safronov, he depicted a collection of important symbols

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The portrait of US President Donald Trump that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin gifted him in March has unspeakable value amid current political tensions, according to Nikas Safronov, the Russian artist that created the painting.

"During my career I have painted more than 50 portraits of heads of state. But this particular work was a landmark for me: It is not just a classical portrait, but rather a historic moment, which I tried to capture on the canvas in all colors, giving it more emotion," he said.

According to Safronov, he depicted a collection of important symbols.

"In the background is the Statue of Liberty and the coastline of New York, his hometown. The blood represents the consequence of the wound. The raised hand and the <…> flag are symbols of intransigence, America’s return to greatness. And there’s also his legendary cap in the other hand, emblazoned with the words "make America great again," he said.

According to the artist, when given by one head of state to another at a time of geopolitical tension, such a portrait is priceless.

"I am delighted that art can be part of the peacemaking process," he said.

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