The official portrait of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has been unveiled, capturing a moment of elegance and poise.
Photographed in the White House’s Yellow Oval Room just a day after her husband, Donald Trump, was sworn in as president, the striking black-and-white image shows Mrs. Trump wearing a dark business suit with a white shirt.
Her hands rest confidently on a reflective table, with the Washington Monument prominently visible in the background.
The portrait, taken by renowned Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux, marks the second time Mahaux has photographed Mrs. Trump in an official capacity.
Known for her long-standing relationship with the Trump family, Mahaux expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
“It’s an honor to work with such an inspiring woman,” she told the BBC.
“Mrs. Trump is deeply involved in the creative process, which makes collaborating with her a privilege.”
Experts have analyzed the image, noting its deliberate composition and symbolism.
Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Faculty Director for the Department of History of Art at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the portrait’s nod to presidential authority.
The Washington Monument in the background serves as a visual metaphor for power, while Mrs. Trump’s pose—hands firmly placed on the highly reflective table—suggests a readiness to embrace her platform and responsibilities.
“Her stance communicates an intention to ‘get down to business,’” Shaw explained.
“It signals a shift from her previous, more reserved presence in the White House to a potential embrace of greater influence and visibility.”
Mrs. Trump’s past as a fashion model shines through in her ease before the camera. However, Shaw attributes much of the portrait’s impact to the rapport she shares with Mahaux.
“This trust allows the photographer to portray her as confident and composed, while maintaining an air of mystery,” she said.
Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley remarked on the portrait’s departure from traditional first lady imagery.
The tailored suit, with its sharp shoulders and wide lapels, exudes corporate power rather than the softer, more approachable style often associated with first ladies.
“The look feels more aligned with authority than domesticity,” Bramley noted.
“It reflects a carefully curated image of control and modernity, signaling a new chapter in Mrs. Trump’s role.”
Bramley also observed the stark contrasts between this portrait and the one taken during Trump’s first term.
Gone are the soft focus, the gentle smile, and the color. Instead, the black-and-white image and direct eye contact create an enigmatic, almost impenetrable aura.
While the portrait projects power and confidence, it also maintains a sense of distance.
Mrs. Trump’s choice to position herself behind the reflective table introduces a subtle boundary between herself and the viewer, underscoring her enigmatic nature.
As Melania Trump begins her second term as First Lady, the portrait offers a glimpse of her evolution.
It signals a move from the margins to the center stage, hinting at a more deliberate and defined approach to her unique role in the White House.
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