Abiel Mcintosh, After Pontormo 2010

"Abiel Mcintosh, After Pontormo" (2010) by Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary oil painting that reimagines a historical portrait by Pontormo. Wiley's work is known for its contemporary spin on traditional portraiture, often featuring Black men and women in the styles of European masters. This specific piece draws inspiration from Pontormo’s "Portrait of a Young Man" and features a young Black man with a direct gaze at the viewer, standing against a backdrop of a patterned wallpaper. The pattern, with its ornate imagery, is a visual element of Wiley's works that signifies tradition and power, placing the subject in a position of power and influence. This work highlights Wiley's artistic approach that combines historical references with contemporary contexts, reflecting on the ongoing issues of representation and identity.