Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Promise
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Promise

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.112638
Object Type Painting
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 2015
Medium canvas, paint (acrylic), wood, metal
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 40 in x W 30 in x D 1 5/8 in (101.6 cm x 76.2 cm x 4.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionBlack and white painting of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looking at the viewer with the word "PROMISE" painted next to his face, on the left side of the painting. Along the sides of the canvas are faintly painted words with religious themes in black, white and gray, from a speech or sermon of King's.
Inscriptions and MarkingsInscribed in lower right of obverse: [artist's signature]; Inscribed on reverse: WB / William Butler / "Promise" / 2015 / Camden Beautiful Psalm 33
Historical NotePresented in May 2015 in Camden, New Jersey when President Barack Obama delivered remarks on community policing at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack 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
Related Links
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Photographs of Artist Serge Toussaint Painting Murals
DO.710730.2.a-k
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
2009 White House Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Ornament
2017.11.119
2009
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Obama: Black and White Dream
DO.689503
Leonel Jules
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Chronology of Change
DO.685724
Rahim Shabazz
2008
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Chase of Freedom Chessboard
DO.728087.a-b
United Urban Partners
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Memory Quilt
DO.09022011-11-1
Dorothy Highland
February 2011
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
My Destiny
DO.761484
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The American Legacy
DO.04232013-31-1
Homayoun Yeroushalmi
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Wood Martin Luther King, Jr. Carving
DO.04242012-38-1
David Drake
2011
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Dreamers of Change
DO.703202
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Time Has Come
DO.07072011-30-1
Derrell Spicy
2008
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
First Black Family in the White House
DO.692134
Serge Napoleon
ca. 2009