Portrait of Dag Hammarskjold
This portrait, created by artist Robert Sutz, is of the late Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold (1905 – 1961) who was in office when Guinea joined the United Nations in 1958.
Sutz is known for his portrait of notable subjects with an initial sitting then later continuing with the aid of a photograph. This method is used so that the initial lighting and pose in the scene can be maintained. He begins his work with a preliminary pastel sketch to compose skin tones and eye color. His work is recognized in many mediums including oil, pen & ink, pastel, and watercolors. His careful illustrations are well-known in America, and has a prominent catalogue of portraiture.
The portrait was presented by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations, Alpha Ibrahima Dialio, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Guinea’s membership in the Organization. It was accepted by Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar on behalf of the United Nations in a small ceremony.