“Sept. 19, 1881” James Garfield reflects the tension, tragedy, and lasting impact of James Garfield’s untimely death, an event that reshaped the national conversation around presidential protection. Shot at a train station by Charles Guiteau on July 2, 1881, the 20th President suffered for ten weeks before his death on September 19. This piece is part of my Assassinated Presidents series, which blends historical reverence with bold visual storytelling.
Bold brushwork, stark contrasts, and expressive detail invite the viewer to reflect on mortality, leadership, and the fragility of public service. The piece also carries personal meaning for me: Garfield was the subject of a grade school report that left a lasting impression on me and eventually inspired this entire series.