Chinese Cultural Revolution Portrait of Mao Zedong, Framed

During the Cultural Revolution this face was everywhere, and hanging it was not really a choice.

This Cultural Revolution portrait of Mao Zedong, titled Chairman Mao, comes from China, 20th century, in oil on canvas, framed. In those years of political upheaval and persecution, official portraits of the Chairman hung in homes, schools, factories and public squares, as signs of loyalty as much as pictures. He appears head and shoulders against a pale ground, in a dark buttoned jacket, with the warm, flushed skin of the official style. Cracks and flaking cross the face and coat. 51 inches high and 41 wide, framed.

The paint has given way in places. The expression has not changed.