"Sept. 14, 1901" William McKinley *Original Painting*

Title: "Sept. 14, 1901" William McKinley
Size: 30 x 60 in.
Year: 2017
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Medium: Acrylic on canvas

A somber turning point in American history

“Sept. 14, 1901” William McKinley by Kyle Lucks reflects on the life and legacy of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States. His assassination in 1901 marked a pivotal moment in American history and led to lasting changes in presidential protection. McKinley, the last Civil War veteran to serve as president, was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz and died eight days later. This painting, part of Lucks’ Assassinated Presidents series, combines historic gravity with bold expression to examine a national turning point. It invites viewers to reflect on leadership, loss, and the moments that shape a country’s future.

Inside the Art: The Story Behind “Sept. 14, 1901” William McKinley

“Sept. 14, 1901” William McKinley by Kyle Lucks is a striking portrait of a moment that changed American history. Part of the artist’s Assassinated Presidents series, the painting explores the legacy of William McKinley, whose presidency ended abruptly after he was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died on September 14, 1901, just eight days after the attack, and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as his successor.

McKinley was the 25th president of the United States and the last to have served in the Civil War. He guided the country through a time of economic growth and international expansion. But his assassination marked the third killing of a U.S. president in just over three decades. In the aftermath, the U.S. Secret Service expanded its duties to include protecting the president - an enduring consequence that reshaped American political security.

Lucks conveys this gravity through moody contrasts, layered brushwork, and a thoughtful composition that draws the viewer into a story of disruption and transition. This painting is more than a historical reference. It’s a powerful meditation on the vulnerability of power and the lasting impact of violence on national identity.

Collectors, educators, and history enthusiasts alike will find meaning in this piece. Whether purchased as the original or in print form, “Sept. 14, 1901” William McKinley brings the weight of American history into focus with both visual impact and emotional depth.

Why Buy “Sept. 14, 1901” William McKinley:

• Pivotal historical subject
  Captures the assassination of President William McKinley - a critical event that changed the structure of presidential security in the U.S.
• Part of a focused series
  One of four original works in the Assassinated Presidents collection - each reflecting on a transformative American tragedy.
• Statement-making original
  The 30"x60" canvas offers scale, texture, and a brooding intensity designed for collectors who seek impactful historical pieces.
• Timely and timeless reflection
  A visual starting point for conversations about leadership, vulnerability, and the shifting responsibilities of power.
  
  

Perfect For:

• History buffs fascinated by presidential legacies and turning points
• Collectors of politically significant or emotionally layered artwork
• Home offices, studies, and libraries with intellectual or classic decor
• Educators or institutions looking for visual storytelling rooted in U.S. history
• Fans of Kyle Lucks’ Assassinated Presidents series seeking to complete the collection