What topics does John Lewis with M.L. King (John Lewis Series) explore?

civil rights, leadership, friendship, faith, dialogue, american history, social justice

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Benny Andrews
John Lewis with M.L. King (John Lewis Series)

John Lewis With M.l. King (john Lewis Series) — Benny Andrews

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John Lewis with M.L. King (John Lewis Series)

Acrylic
WallArt
Narrative Realism
2005
38.0 x 55.0 cm
National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Benny Andrews’ poignant John Lewis portrait captures a handshake between civil rights icon John Lewis and another man before a cross—a symbol of faith amidst struggle—executed in evocative black and white during the artist's final series, inviting viewers to explore this powerful narrative.

Explore the powerful expressionistic art of Benny Andrews – known for poignant depictions of suffering, injustice & the African American experience. Discover his unique style & impactful works.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Buy Print Buy Image)

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P508JH $12

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P919BZ $10

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P919XJ $10

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Framed

Description from JS

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You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Customize My Artwork + $50

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Elite Senior Artist (more detail, finesse, and extra production time) + $100

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $11

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

No Glossy Varnish

Add Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture) + $15

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$ 263

ExclamationCircle Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

John Lewis with M.L. King (John Lewis Series)

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

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Reproduction Frame

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ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Easy to assemble using the provided screws - no glue needed.
Assembly guide included; setup takes under 10 minutes with a standard screwdriver.

Important:
Tightening the canvas on the assembled frame may require a canvas stretching plier tool, which is not included in the kit. This tool helps ensure proper tension and a professional finish.

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

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Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (23 August). No compromise on quality.

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Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (30 August).

Included

Total Price

$ 263

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What inspired John Lewis’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement?

A. His father encouraged him to join political activism.

B. He was deeply moved by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

C. He primarily focused on artistic pursuits.

Question 2:

Benny Andrews’s artistic style is characterized by:

A. Impressionistic landscapes.

B. Narrative works documenting social and political themes, including depictions of the Civil Rights movement.

C. Abstract geometric patterns.

Question 3:

The painting depicts John Lewis shaking hands with another man in front of a cross. What does this symbol represent?

A. A celebration of friendship.

B. The intersection of faith and social justice.

C. An idealized portrait.

Question 4:

Andrews studied at which institution before embarking on his artistic career?

A. Yale University.

B. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

C. Harvard College.

Question 5:

Andrews illustrated children’s books featuring prominent figures in Black history, including:

A. Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo.

B. Langston Hughes, Josephine Carroll Smith, and Congressman John Lewis.

C. Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch.

Artwork Description

As a child, he experienced the discrimination and segregation of Jim Crow, including attending segregated schools and being denied a public library card due to his race. Unable to check out books, the enthusiastic learner spent hours reading inside. Due to safety concerns, his parents discouraged direct action against racial inequality. But teenage John Lewis was inspired by news of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and the defiant courage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.“When I was 15 years old in the tenth grade, I heard Martin Luther King, Jr. Three years later, when I was 18, I met Dr. King and we became friends. Two years after that I became very involved in the civil rights movement. I was in college at the time. As I got more and more involved, I saw politics as a means of bringing about change”-- John LewisAbout the artist: Benny Andrews (b. 1930, d. 2006) was a celebrated African American painter, printmaker, and collage artist. Born to sharecroppers in Plainview, Georgia, he went on to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before finding success in New York City. His narrative works documented social and political themes of the times, including depictions of the American Civil Rights movement, anti-war protests, personal and familial narratives, and the relocation of American Indians. He later illustrated children’s books about the lives of prominent figures in Black history, such as Langston Hughes, Josephine Carroll Smith, and his friend Congressman John Lewis. The John Lewis Series was one of his final bodies of work.

Related Artworks

The Sermon (john Lewis Series) — Benny Andrews, Social Realism

Benny Andrews The Sermon (John Lewis Series)

Arrangement In White And Black — James Abbott Mcneill Whistler, Tonalism

James Abbott McNeill Whistler Arrangement in White and Black

Symphony In White Number 1, The White Girl — James Abbott Mcneill Whistler, Tonalism

James Abbott McNeill Whistler Symphony in White Number 1, The White Girl

Mount Calvary — William H. Johnson, Modernist Folk Art

william h. johnson Mount Calvary

Black & White Special Cut, Hope And Peace Series — Brook Andrew, Contemporary Art

brook andrew Black & White SPECIAL CUT, Hope and Peace Series

Martin Luther King Jr. Led A Group Of Marchers From Selma To Montgomery To Fight For Black Suffrage. — Bruce Davidson, Documentary Photography

Bruce Davidson Martin Luther KING Jr. led a group of marchers from Selma to Montgomery to fight for black suffrage.

Mount Calvary — William H. Johnson, Northern Folk Expression

william h. johnson Mount Calvary

Charles White — Gordon Parks, Documentary Photography

Gordon Parks Charles White

william h. johnson Mount calvary

Volunteer Workers — William H. Johnson, Naive Art

william h. johnson Volunteer Workers

Artist Biography

Benny Andrews: Life & Legacy

Early Life and Education

Born: November 13, 1930, in Plainview, Georgia.
Andrews grew up in a large family of ten children. His mother, Viola, instilled the importance of education, religion, and freedom of expression.
Early Influences: His father, George Andrews, was a self-taught artist known locally as the “Dot Man,” who sparked Benny’s initial interest in art.
He attended Fort Valley College on a two-year scholarship but left due to financial constraints and academic struggles.
Andrews served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 before pursuing formal artistic training.

Artistic Development & Career

Andrews received his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
He held his first solo exhibition in New York City in 1962, marking a significant step in his career.
From 1968 to 1997, Andrews dedicated himself to teaching at Queens College, City University of New York.
Prison Arts Program: He founded and directed a groundbreaking prison arts program that became a national model for rehabilitation through artistic expression.
His work evolved into an expressive style characterized by bold colors and forms used to convey powerful emotions and social commentary.

Themes & Influences

Key Themes: Andrews’ art frequently addressed themes of suffering, injustice, racial inequality, and the African American experience.
His work often served as a visual protest against social and political issues of his time.
He drew inspiration from personal experiences, observations of everyday life, and historical events.
Artistic Influences: While developing his unique style, Andrews was influenced by various artistic movements, including Expressionism and Social Realism.

Notable Works

Confrontation 2 (John Lewis Series): A powerful painting reflecting on the Civil Rights Movement and the struggles for equality.
No More Games: A work that confronts issues of social injustice and inequality with raw emotion.
Death of the Crow (1965): An early example of his expressive style, rendered in black and white oil on canvas.

Legacy & Historical Significance

Benny Andrews’ work is featured in museum collections such as the Museum Collection Hugo Fischer (Bühl, Germany) and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans.
Impact on Arts Education: His prison arts program demonstrated the transformative power of art for individuals facing incarceration.
Andrews’ artistic contributions helped to raise awareness about social issues and promote dialogue around race, inequality, and justice.
He passed away on November 10, 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an artist, educator, and advocate for social change.

Benny Andrews

1930 - 2006 , United States of America

Quick Facts

Dot Man')", 'Movement: Expressionism
Birth Date: November 13, 1930
Birth Place: Plainview, Georgia, USA
Death Date: November 10, 2006
Influenced: None, 'influenced by':
Name: Benny Andrews
Nationality: American
Notable Works:
- Confrontation 2 (John Lewis Series)
- No More Games
- Death of the Crow