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Nelson Mandela

(1918-2013), President of South Africa; President of the African National Congress

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Sitter in 3 portraits
Former leader of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela 'Madiba' was South Africa's first black head of state and the first president to be elected democratically. From 1964-90, he was imprisoned for his involvement in the armed resistance to apartheid. During his incarceration, Mandela became an international symbol of freedom, social justice and racial equality. His period of presidency (1994-1999) saw the reconciliation of black and white South Africans, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (with F. W. de Klerk) in 1993. He was committed to combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation, founded in 1999.

More on Nelson Mandela: The Icons trail: discover the people who shaped the 20th Century

Watch a film clip on the sitter from the BBC Archive in the Media section below

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Nelson Mandela, by Ian Homer Walters - NPG 6868

Nelson Mandela

by Ian Homer Walters
bronze bust, 2008, based on a work of 2001
NPG 6868

Nelson Mandela, by Michael Peto - NPG x137674

Nelson Mandela

by Michael Peto
modern bromide print from original negative, June 1962
On display in Room 32 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG x137674

Nelson Mandela, by Jillian Edelstein - NPG x128760

Nelson Mandela

by Jillian Edelstein
bromide fibre print, 6 February 1997
NPG x128760

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