President Frank Underwood has finally joined the ranks of fellow American commanders-in-chief. In his own way.
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery unveiled a painting of House of Cards‘ fictional POTUS on Monday night in Washington, D.C.
To celebrate British artist Jonathan Yeo’s work, Kevin Spacey appeared in character with Yeo, portrait gallery director Kim Sajet, Netflix (NFLX) COO Ted Sarandos, and a real member of the White House press corps.
“I’m pleased that the Smithsonian continues to prove itself as a worthwhile institution,” Underwood said in a statement. “I’m one step closer to convincing the rest of the country that I am the President.”
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The true Spacey also chimed in a statement: “Actually, I’m really delighted to be included in a work of art at such a remarkable institution. When the Smithsonian’s Portrait Gallery first approached Jonathan and me about a portrait of me—the actor—I wanted to see if Jonathan could unveil a fully rendered presidential portrait. It is a real honor to be exhibited at the Smithsonian and a thrill to see Frank take his place among the presidents in this historic setting.”
Yeo previously painted Spacey as Richard III; that portrait was displayed in London’s National Portrait Gallery, which hung from September 2013 through January 2014. Underwood will be on display in Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery from Wednesday through October.
