WASHINGTON — It seemed only fitting that Oprah Winfrey chose to wear a flowing, long purple dress for her portrait unveiled Wednesday at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.
She told the gathered audience that she was wearing purple not because a musical remake of the film that launched her career is coming out later this month: “I chose to wear the color purple because that color has been crucial to me in my life.”
When she drew a curtain and saw the portrait of Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren for the first time, Winfrey exclaimed, “Spectacular. Good job.”
The painting shows Winfrey against the backdrop of a prayer garden at her home in California. She is holding a branch of an olive tree.
Warren said he asked Winfrey to think about how she wanted to be portrayed for generations to come.
“You could have chosen anyone, but you felt it was appropriate that an artist from the place you called home during your rise to prominence should receive this honor,” he said.
Winfrey said her role in Steven Spielberg's 1985 film “The Color Purple” served as a foundation for her future. She hosted “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for more than 25 years. 'Oprah's Book Club' helped her turn recommended titles into bestsellers.
In 2013, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The National Portrait Gallery said in a statement that her contributions to popular culture and her philanthropy earned her a place in the museum.
“Through her fame as host and producer of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' Oprah has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with people and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves,” said Kim Sajet, director of the gallery.
The portrait is almost 2 meters high. It will be on display on the first floor of the gallery.
During her remarks, Winfrey put in a plug for the movie “The Color Purple,” which comes out on Christmas Day. She is the producer of the film.
Buy your tickets now, she said.