Making a portrait for the president of AMEXCAP
- thibaultbarrere
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Creating a corporate portrait is fundamentally different from
painting a family portrait. The priorities shift.
In a family setting, the focus often lies on intimacy, connection, and personal relationships. In a corporate context, the portrait must convey something else entirely: leadership, authority, and presence. The atmosphere is more restrained, the composition more deliberate.
But this particular commission went far beyond those considerations.
A Portrait Meant to Be a Surprise
I was contacted by AMEXCAP to paint a portrait of the
ir president as a retirement gift. There was, however, one important condition:
The portrait had to remain a complete surprise.
This constraint transformed the commission into something closer to a carefully orchestrated operation than a traditional portrait sitting.
Together with my wife, we devised a plan.
We would present ourselves as journalists conducting an interview for a business profile feature. She would take the role of interviewer, and I would act as the photographer.
Entering Another Role
We left for Mexico City at 5:00 AM to arrive in time for a preparatory meeting with members of the organisation.
They briefed us extensively.
We learned about his personality, how he was perceived by his team, and what it was like to work with him. These insights were invaluable, they offered a glimpse not only into his professional stature, but into the human dimension behind it.
After receiving our access credentials, the moment arrived to assume our roles.
My wife led the conversation. I observed quietly, camera in hand.
The Encounter
When Mr. Gallegos entered the room, his presence immediately stood out.
His demeanour was relaxed, open, and approachable, qualities not always associated with someone in a position of authority. He greeted us warmly and invited us to sit.
The interview began.
Very quickly, a subtle shift became apparent.
He seemed slightly puzzled.
He was accustomed to being asked about market forecasts, business challenges, and investment strategies. Instead, we asked about his personal interests, his hobbies, his sources of inspiration, how he would describe himself beyond his professional role.
Gradually, the conversation opened.
He spoke about his family as his greatest source of inspiration. He mentioned his admiration for Winston Churchill. He shared his love of travel and his curiosity for discovering new places.
Fortunately, he never suspected the true purpose of the meeting.
Constructing the Portrait
I returned to my studio with a clear objective:
To create a portrait that would reflect not only the career and leadership of a man, but also the foundations that supported him, his values, his inspirations, and his personal identity.
The process required careful consideration.
I developed multiple sketches, explored different compositions, and refined the visual language of the portrait until a coherent solution emerged.
The Final Composition
The portrait was set in his office, grounding him within his professional environment.
He is depicted seated, wearing a suit, conveying composure and authority. Yet, equal attention was given to preserving his openness and approachable nature—qualities that defined his presence during our encounter.
Several subtle elements were incorporated:
His wedding ring, prominently visible, symbolising his commitment to family
A selection of books, with the title Winston Churchill discreetly legible, referencing a figure he admires
A world map in the background, understated yet present, evoking his passion for travel
Each of these elements was carefully integrated—not as decoration, but as part of a visual narrative.
The Unveiling
Once completed, the portrait was delivered as planned.
His colleagues presented it to him during an intimate ceremony.
A few days later, I received messages describing his reaction upon seeing the painting for the first time.
He was deeply moved.
And, I was told, he loved the portrait.
Beyond the Image
This commission served as a reminder that portraiture, even in a corporate context, is never solely about status or position.
At its best, it reveals the person behind the role.
It captures not only what someone has achieved, but also what defines them, quietly, and often invisibly.
Portraits have long served as a way to preserve the presence of individuals whose lives and stories have an impact in society. For companies or institutions interested in creating a portrait that will remain part of their history for generations, commissioning a painting offers a unique way to preserve that legacy. Those considering a portrait commission are always welcome to inquire about the process.
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