The Compelling Story Behind Stolen Artworks at a Moscow Summit
November 2025: Ronald Reagan Museum, Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois
In 1988 the National Republican Party (through the Assistant Secretary of Energy, Henson Moore) commissioned George Rodrigue to paint President Ronald Reagan. In May 1988, George Rodrigue presented an exhibition of his works, including President Reagan’s portrait, An American Hero, at the Summit Meeting in Moscow. As a companion piece to President Reagan’s portrait, he painted the President of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev. The paintings hung side by side at the Sovereign Center World Trade Center complex, along with ten other Rodrigue paintings, all borrowed from collectors.
The painting of Mikhail Gorbachev created great controversy. Learn more HERE.
Exhibition presented in loving memory of Linda Stemler, friend to George and Wendy Rodrigue.