John August Swanson

John August Swanson (1938-2021) was a world-renowned painter noted for his finely detailed, brilliantly colored biblical pieces. His unique style was influenced by the imagery of Islamic and medieval miniatures, Russian iconography, the color of Latin American folk art, and the tradition of Mexican muralists. Mr. Swanson's art is represented in the permanent collections of many museums, including three museums of the Smithsonian Institutions: the National Museum of American History, the...See more

John August Swanson (1938-2021) was a world-renowned painter noted for his finely detailed, brilliantly colored biblical pieces. His unique style was influenced by the imagery of Islamic and medieval miniatures, Russian iconography, the color of Latin American folk art, and the tradition of Mexican muralists. Mr. Swanson's art is represented in the permanent collections of many museums, including three museums of the Smithsonian Institutions: the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of American Art and the National Air and Space Museum. In 2005, he was one of thirty-three inaugural recipients-including Pope John Paul II, Desmond Tutu, and Jimmy Carter-of the Mother Teresa Award for achievement in beautifying the world. See less