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Footprints in the Clouds / Our Pain from Afar
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Footprints in the Clouds / Our Pain from Afar
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Footprints in the Clouds / Our Pain from Afar

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.04242013-7-1
Object Type Painting
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium canvas, paint (acrylic), ink
DimensionsOverall - 2D L 43 3/8 in x W 72 in (182.9 cm x 110.2 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPainting on canvas dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Center of the painting depicts two sets of stairs leading up to the open gates of heaven with small footprints painted on the steps to represent the victims. The names of the 27 victims are written in between the sets of stairs. On either side of the stairways there are handwritten bible versus, Gen 9:13 on the left and Psalm 147:3 on the right. The gates are both framed by wings, doves, and the words "Peace" and "Harmony". Below the scene are clouds and 20 butterflies in various colors. At the bottom of the painting there are 27 flowers in various colors and twisting vines. The artwork is framed by two paintings of parchment scrolls on either side each with a handwritten message. The left side is a poem while the right side is a letter.
Inscriptions and MarkingsInscribed throughout obverse: [various signatures from artists] Inscribed to left of left scroll: Vini Vidi Vici
Historical NoteThis painting sent to the White House by men incarcerated at the Perry Correctional Institution in South Carolina. They created it in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting in Newton, Connecticut.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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