Georg Esco's painting portraiting President Ho Chi Minh wins first prize
VOV.VN - Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang on June 18 presented the First Prize Certificate to French artist of Romanian origin, Georg Esco, for his oil painting “In the Footsteps of Ho Chi Minh.”

The award is part of the second phase lasting from 2021 to 2025 of a literature, art, and journalism contest themed “Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, Morality, and Style.”
The painting, measuring 142 cm by 120 cm, features President Ho Chi Minh portrayed with an intellectual, calm, and resolute demeanor. The idea for the artwork stemmed from the artist’s deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh who is not only a great leader of the Vietnamese people but also a global symbol of inspiration for revolutionary movements and oppressed nations around the world.
In creating the portrait, Esco conducted extensive research, studying historical documents and archival photos to authentically capture the most distinctive features of the leader’s face. The painting not only holds artistic value but also serves as a symbol of cross-cultural connection, highlighting the global significance of President Ho’s thought and legacy.
Georg Esco, whose real name is Ionita-Radu Georgescu, was born on March 11, 1977, in the historical region of Transylvania, central Romania. He grew up in an orphanage and later moved to Paris in the 1990s, where art became his way of expressing his imagination and worldview.
Influenced by abstract expressionism while retaining a spontaneous and deeply personal style, Esco is regarded by art critics as one of the most talented contemporary artists capable of naturally capturing movement and merging art with reality into a unique, unified entity.
His works are regularly featured in solo and group exhibitions, attracting attention from art enthusiasts in France and internationally.
In the Footsteps of Ho Chi Minh is currently on display at the Etienne de Causans Gallery, Paris.