The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation has denied a biography of notorious lawyer Roy Cohn the use of a 1981 portrait by Mapplethorpe, citing concerns over its association with President Trump. The decision, made by the artist’s estate, highlights the ongoing tension between art and politics.

Steven M.L. Aronson, the book’s author, was tasked with capturing Cohn’s life, a journey from McCarthy’s era to Trump’s. The portrait, titled simply 'Roy Cohn,' features the lawyer's striking stare and scarred nose, a signature of Mapplethorpe’s later work. Cohn, a figure of both legal and social controversy, was known for his representation of powerful figures and his own closeted homosexuality.

The foundation's reluctance to use the image stems from its status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which restricts it from engaging in political activities. The board feared a backlash that could jeopardize its non-profit status if Trump took offense. This decision comes amid Trump’s history of attacking cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Steven M.L. Aronson was left stunned and outraged by the decision, stating that it was 'astonishing' that the foundation was so cowed. The foundation, which was established shortly before Mapplethorpe’s death, aims to protect and promote the artist’s work and causes.

The controversy surrounding Mapplethorpe’s work, notably the 'X Portfolio,' reveals the complex relationship between art and censorship. Despite his legacy, the decision reflects a broader concern in the art world about how political sensitivities can impact artistic freedom.