365bet�����������籭

MOSCOW 

One recent gift to Donald Trump from a world leader came from Russia – a portrait of the US president sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The painting depicts a pivotal moment in Trump’s life, when he raised a clenched fist after surviving an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally in July 2024, and was made by Nikas Safronov, one of Russia’s most famous artists.

The inspiration for Safronov’s work was Trump’s “courage and calm” during the ordeal, which moved him deeply and pushed him to go to a nearby church to pray for the then-presidential candidate.

“I saw everything happening and went to the church to pray,” Safronov recalled in an interview with Anadolu.

“I began drawing that same night, and it took me about two-and-a-half to three weeks to finish. I didn’t pay attention to the timeline, but Trump was still a candidate when I completed the portrait.”

For Safronov, Trump’s survival held symbolic significance.

“When he was attacked, providence intervened somehow,” he said.

����

“At that moment of danger, he turned slightly, almost as if warned by his guardian angel, and the bullet barely grazed his ear.”

Once the portrait was completed, clients who had previously acquired Safronov’s works visited his studio wanting to see the now-famous painting.

“Sometime later, (US presidential envoy Steve) Witkoff mentioned in an interview that he received a portrait of Trump as a gift. Trump was touched by it. It seemed to resonate with him. I started wondering if it was my work. They said it was created by a famous artist, and soon afterwards, Western media outlets and our local press contacted me. My reply was simple – I’m not commenting,” Safronov explained.

Though he suspected the portrait was indeed his creation, certainty came only when Putin personally called to thank him.

“I don’t usually reveal my clients unless they want publicity. If they prefer anonymity, I honor their wishes,” Safronov said.

“But then the president gave his permission, saying, ‘Why not?’ He confirmed it was indeed my portrait. Only then did I speak openly about it.”

Asked to set a price for the portrait, the artist declined, moved by Trump’s heroic demeanor during the assassination attempt.

“A man whom guards tried to push to the floor, got rid of them, stood tall, and raised his hand defiantly,” he said. “That’s what we call a man’s deed, a brave gesture. That’s exactly what Trump did. He’s a hero.”  

Final moments with Pope Francis

Safronov also recounted his poignant meeting with Pope Francis, occurring shortly before the pontiff passed away on April 21.

After painting a portrait of Francis, Safronov showed it to Russia’s ambassador to Italy, Ivan Saltanovskiy, who arranged the meeting.

Unexpectedly, Francis allowed Safronov to select the meeting time himself.

“The pope said whenever it’s convenient for him to meet, let him choose the time. So, I chose the time, not the pope. I said February, and he said the 10th, and I said great.”

Safronov also asked if he could bring his son and was told that he had the choice to get “the whole family if you want.”

Upon arrival in Rome on Feb. 8, Safronov learned of Francis’ declining health, yet the pope insisted on meeting as planned. On Feb. 10, Safronov and his son were welcomed into the pontiff’s private quarters.

“I brought two pieces. One was the portrait. He accepted it calmly, as he had seen many portraits,” Safronov said.

“But when he saw the second piece – a depiction of Buenos Aires Basilica San Jose de Flores – he became emotional, and it brought tears to his eyes. It was the church where he began his priesthood as a spiritual figure – that memory meant a lot to him.”  

A special bond with Türkiye

Currently, Safronov is immersed in painting a portrait of a close Trump ally, American billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk, which he hopes to deliver personally.

“I’d love to present him with this gift. I hope this work finds its way to him and interests him,” he said, hailing Musk as a person “creating his own legacy through technologies and innovations.”

“His personality really inspires me, and many people admire him worldwide.”

Türkiye also occupies a special place in Safronov’s artistic life. He owns land in the central Mediterranean resort town of Alanya, where he plans to build a house to serve as a creative retreat.

“Türkiye has countless beautiful places. I wish to dedicate part of my creative output to Turkish history, landscapes, and the people I like,” he said.

Over the years, Safronov has painted portraits of multiple Turkish leaders, including Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Türkiye, former President Suleyman Demirel, and current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Back in 1998, I painted a portrait of Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev. He loved it so much that he commissioned me to paint Demirel’s portrait. I spent three days with Demirel posing,” Safronov recalled fondly.

While Putin’s administration gifted the portrait of Ataturk to Turkish officials, Safronov personally presented his artwork to President Erdogan.

“I met him briefly in Antalya. Despite being engrossed in election campaigns, he graciously accepted the portrait,” Safronov recounted.

In September 2024, Safronov held a successful exhibition in Istanbul attended by renowned Turkish actor Burak Ozcivit. “I had an exhibition and the most famous actor in Türkiye showed up. He turned out to like my artwork,” he explained.

“As a sign of respect, I gave him a portrait of his wife … and he was very pleased.”