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Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve
Usage Conditions Apply
Artist
Alexander Newley, born 1965
Sitter
Christopher Reeve, 25 Sep 1952 - 10 Oct 2004
Date
2004
Type
Painting
Medium
Oil on linen
Dimensions
Stretcher: 172.7 x 111.8 x 3.8cm (68 x 44 x 1 1/2")
Frame: 176.1 x 115.9 x 6.7cm (69 5/16 x 45 5/8 x 2 5/8")
Topic
Interior\Domestic
Home Furnishings\Mirror
Vehicle\Boat\Sailboat
Home Furnishings\Furniture\Rug
Vehicle\Wheelchair
Triptych
Christopher Reeve: Male
Christopher Reeve: Performing Arts\Performer\Actor
Christopher Reeve: Performing Arts\Performing arts director
Christopher Reeve: Performing Arts\Producer
Christopher Reeve: Society and Social Change\Reformer\Activist
Christopher Reeve: Society and Social Change\Person with a Disability
Portrait
Place
United States\Connecticut
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sacha Newley
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© 2004 Sacha Newley
Object number
NPG.2005.52.3
Exhibition Label
Born New York City
Perhaps best known for his role as Superman, actor Christopher Reeve went on to become a powerful voice for people living with disabilities after a 1995 equestrian accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Reeve lived his life according to his own definition of a hero—“an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” His advocacy efforts led to the passage of the 1999 Work Incentives Improvement Act, allowing people with disabilities to return to work and still receive disability benefits. He also served as chairman of the board of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, which supports research to develop effective treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders.
Nacido en la Ciudad de Nueva York
Quizás más conocido por su papel de Superman, el actor Christopher Reeve fue una voz poderosa para las personas que viven con discapacidades después de quedar paralizado desde el cuello a causa de un accidente ecuestre en 1995. Reeve vivió su vid según su propia definición de lo que es un héroe: “una persona común y corriente que encuentra fuerzas para perseverar y sobrevivir a pesar de obstáculos apabullantes”. Su activismo contribuyó a la promulgación en 1999 de la Ley de Mejora de Incentivos Laborales, que permite a las personas con discapacidades reintegrarse al trabajo sin dejar de recibir beneficios por incapacidad. Reeve también presidió la Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, la cual auspicia investigaciones a fin de desarrollar tratamientos y curas para la parálisis causada por lesiones de la médula espinal y otros trastornos del sistema nervioso central.
Provenance
The artist; gift 2005 to NPG
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Location
Currently not on view