The Life and Work of President Reagan

Ronald Reagan became the 40th US president in 1981 to a economically stagnant and inflated country. However, prior to becoming the president Reagan was an actor as well as the governor of California. Upon coming into the most powerful position in America he imposed "Reaganomics" which involved decreasing government spending, reducing taxes on large cooperation, and decreasing the supply of money. Over the 8 years he served as president, as well as boosting the US economy, he also played major roles in the Cold War and in the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.  All of these actions is what made him one of the most popular US presidents of all time.

This portrait, painted by Everett Kinstler, was created to show off the essence of  Reagan and what he was all about; the same goal for almost all other presidential paintings.  In this painting, the first thing that I noticed was the shining smile on Reagan's face. Along with that is the contrast in colors between the background and Reagan's suit.  The contents of the background are also highly significant in describing the true character of the president. So, to go back to Reagan's smile, it is easy to tell that his pearly-white, kind smile is one of an actor or a wise grandfather.  His beautiful smile was key in showing his personality as it both represented his public favor and how he was utterly likable and how he is confident in life as he has experienced so much of it.  The contrast between the light background and the dark suit is almost like a metaphor for how Reagan would be the combative presence in order to protect the world's glory and liberty. Being that darkness represents barriers and the light represents goodness it can be easy to see how this can be meant.  Furthermore, in putting the metaphor into perceptive with his life accomplishments such as the tearing down of the Berlin wall and protecting the US from Soviet nuclear attacks, the interpretation of the juxtaposition between the colors must be true because there is nothing in his life to support otherwise.  Finally, with the contents of the background they most likely represent the greatness and the strength of the US.  This is because when he left office, after his application of "Reaganomics" to the US economy, the national economy was finally on the up and up.  The use of pillars, just like those used in the national monuments at Washington D.C. have become a national symbol for strength. In conclusion, the components of Reagan's character that Everett Kinstler chose to highlight are that Reagan was a kind and well liked man who built up the US economy, who could also stand up for what is right.

For more information about President Reagan feel free to visit history.com