Portraits Of Presidents Of The United States

Official portraits for U.S. presidents

The tradition of commissioning an official portrait for the president of the United States has been a cornerstone of presidential commemoration, most commonly rendered as an oil painting. This practice, initiated with Gilbert Stuart's iconic depiction of George Washington, the Lansdowne portrait, has persisted through the ages. With the advent and widespread adoption of photography as a reliable medium, official portraits may now also take the form of photographs, or at least be viable photographic representations, a shift noted in recent times. [1]

These official portraits serve not merely as likenesses but as historical artifacts, often displayed by subsequent presidents in prominent locations within the White House, such as the Oval Office. Presidents frequently choose to exhibit portraits of former leaders they admire, borrowing these works from the esteemed National Portrait Gallery. This institution has been diligently amassing a collection of presidential portraits since its establishment in 1962, and it commenced its own commission of presidential portraits in 1994, beginning with George H. W. Bush. [2]

A significant legislative development occurred in 2018 when President Donald Trump enacted Public Law 115–158. This law explicitly prohibits the use of federal funds for the creation of official portraits of any federal official or officer, a category that encompasses the president, vice president, members of Congress, heads of executive agencies, and leaders of legislative branch offices. Given that the majority of recent presidential portraits have been funded through private donations, this legislation primarily aims to curtail the use of federal appropriations for the portraits of other governmental officials, such as agency heads and speakers of the House. [3] [4]

Presidents

George Washington

The presidential portrait of George Washington, famously the Lansdowne portrait, holds a place in history not only for its artistic merit but for its dramatic rescue. During the War of 1812, as British forces advanced and set fire to the White House, First Lady Dolley Madison is credited with its preservation, ensuring this vital piece of American heritage was not lost to the flames. [5]

Andrew Jackson

The prolific artistic representation of Andrew Jackson is notable. Historians estimate that Jackson himself sat for approximately 35 portraits, while the total number of paintings depicting him, executed in oil or watercolor, is believed to be around 200. Many of these works were created posthumously or were copies derived from existing images. A significant contributor to this visual record was Ralph E. W. Earl, Jackson's nephew by marriage, who painted Jackson on numerous occasions. [6]

Theodore Roosevelt

The creation of President Theodore Roosevelt's official portrait was initially entrusted to Théobald Chartran in 1902. However, Roosevelt's reaction to the completed work was one of strong disapproval; he found it so unsatisfactory that he relegated it to the darkest recess of the White House. The portrait's perceived lack of virility led family members to dub it the "Mewing Cat," prompting Roosevelt to have it destroyed and to instead commission John Singer Sargent for a more robust portrayal. [7] [8]

Sargent's process involved observing Roosevelt within the White House, creating sketches in various settings to capture the ideal pose and lighting. Yet, he remained dissatisfied with the results. As Roosevelt, ever restless, prepared to ascend the stairs to explore the second-floor rooms, both artist and subject reached a point of mutual impatience. Roosevelt, perhaps sensing Sargent's frustration, suggested that the artist seemed clueless about his artistic vision. Sargent, in turn, retorted that Roosevelt himself seemed unaware of the demands of posing for a portrait. It was at this precise moment, as Roosevelt placed his hand on a balustrade post on the landing and turned to confront Sargent with an emphatic, "Don't I?!", that the artist found the perfect, dynamic pose he had been seeking. [9]

Roosevelt, known for his vigorous nature, agreed to remain still for only half an hour each day, typically after lunch. Despite these constraints, the portrait was ultimately completed and met with Roosevelt's considerable approval. [8]

Warren G. Harding

The United States Commission of Fine Arts put forth a recommendation for F. Luis Mora to undertake the portraiture of Warren G. Harding. The painting was executed based on photographic references. This decision followed the rejection of two portraits of Harding, created by 'foreign artists' within the White House, on grounds of inferior artistic quality and insufficient resemblance. [10] The approved portrait was formally installed in the White House in June 1930. [11]

Calvin Coolidge

During the presidency of Ronald Reagan, he made a deliberate decision to relocate the portrait of Calvin Coolidge. It was moved from the Grand Hall to the Cabinet Room, where it was placed adjacent to the portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Reagan harbored a deep admiration for Coolidge, often quoting him and believing his tenure during the "roaring twenties" to be particularly exemplary. Reagan felt that Coolidge's portrait was more fittingly positioned next to that of a revered founding father. [12]

Herbert Hoover

President Herbert Hoover's official portrait was completed a considerable 23 years after his departure from office. The initial official portrait was rendered by John Christen Johansen in 1941. However, Hoover later commissioned a second portrait, which was finished in 1956 by Elmer Wesley Greene. At Hoover's specific request, this later painting superseded the original and currently serves as the official White House portrait. [13] The Johansen painting, consequently, found its home at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa. [14]

John F. Kennedy

The creation of Aaron Shikler's portrait of President John F. Kennedy was undertaken posthumously in 1970, at the specific request of Jacqueline Kennedy. The work is widely regarded as a profound character study. Departing from the conventional portrayal of presidents, Kennedy's portrait depicts him in a pensive mood, with his gaze directed downward and his arms folded. Shikler recalled that Jackie's sole directive was for him to capture an image distinct from "the way everybody else makes him look, with the bags under his eyes and that penetrating gaze. I'm tired of that image." Shikler produced several sketches based on photographs; one particular sketch, chosen by Jackie for the final pose, was inspired by the solemn posture of Ted Kennedy at his brother John F. Kennedy's grave, his arms crossed and head bowed. [15] Beyond the presidential portrait, Shikler also created the official White House portraits of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and their children.

Ronald Reagan

The presidency of Ronald Reagan is marked by two official White House portraits. The first, painted by Aaron Shikler in 1989, was ultimately rejected for failing to achieve a sufficient likeness and was subsequently placed in storage in 1991. A second portrait, executed by Everett Raymond Kinstler in 1991, was considered a more successful rendition and is the portrait that currently hangs in the White House. [16]

George H. W. Bush

President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush were jointly depicted in portraits by the American artist Herbert Abrams in 1994. However, a second official portrait of Barbara Bush was later commissioned from Chas Fagan, as she expressed dissatisfaction with the initial portrait completed by Abrams. [17] [18]

Bill Clinton

The presidential portrait of Bill Clinton holds the distinction of being the first such portrait commissioned to be painted by an African American artist, Simmie Knox. [19] [20]

Prior to this, a portrait had been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution. Years after its unveiling, the artist, Nelson Shanks, revealed a subtle detail he had incorporated: a shadow on the left side of the painting, intended as a metaphorical representation of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and its impact, suggesting "a shadow on the office he held, or on him." [21] According to Shanks, Clinton expressed a strong dislike for the portrait and requested its removal from the National Portrait Gallery. As of 2015, the portrait remained part of the gallery's collection but was not on public display. [22]

George W. Bush

The official White House portrait of George W. Bush was unveiled on May 31, 2012. The artist responsible for this portrait, as well as that of First Lady Laura Bush, revealed concurrently, was John Howard Sanden. Significantly, Bush's portrait for the National Portrait Gallery was released unusually early, several weeks before the conclusion of his administration. This portrait, painted by Robert A. Anderson, was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. on December 19, 2008. President Bush initiated the unveiling ceremony with a notable jest, "Welcome to my hanging," which elicited laughter from the attendees. [24] While commissioned by the White House, this particular portrait was funded through private donations. [25]

The initial caption accompanying President Bush's portrait at the National Portrait Gallery described his administration as "marked by a series of catastrophic events..." including "...the attacks on September 11, 2001, that led to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq." Following a letter from Vermont senator Bernie Sanders to the gallery's director, pointing out that the link between the terrorist attacks and the Iraq War had been "debunked," Director Martin E. Sullivan assured Sanders that the wording would be amended to remove the phrase "led to." [26]

Barack Obama

Barack Obama holds the distinction of being the first president to have his official portrait captured using a digital camera. This occurred in January 2009, with then-official White House photographer Pete Souza utilizing a Canon EOS 5D Mark II for the task. [ citation needed ] Furthermore, Obama was the first president to have 3D portraits created, which were subsequently exhibited at the Smithsonian Castle in December 2014. [28]

The official presidential likenesses of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery on February 12, 2018. [29] The portrait of Mr. Obama was painted by Kehinde Wiley, while Mrs. Obama's portrait was created by Amy Sherald. [30] [31] The background of Barack Obama's painting features symbolic flowers, such as chrysanthemums, representing Chicago, and pikake, symbolizing Hawaii. [32] The contemporary style of both portraits garnered significant attention for deviating from the traditional approach often seen in past presidential depictions. [33] [34] [35]

The official White House portrait of Barack Obama was unveiled on September 7, 2022. Artist Robert McCurdy, known for his photorealistic style, focused on working from a single photograph of the former president for this commission. The portrait presents Obama in a black suit with a gray tie, set against a minimalist white backdrop, a characteristic feature of McCurdy's work. Concurrently, the official portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, painted by realism artist Sharon Sprung, was also revealed. [36] [37] In Sprung's oil painting, Mrs. Obama is depicted in an off-the-shoulder turquoise gown against a warm pink background, exuding an air described as "intent but alluring and unmistakably herself." [37]

Donald Trump

The initial official presidential portrait of Donald Trump was released on January 19, 2017, the eve of his inauguration, and was utilized for the official @POTUS Twitter account until May 5, 2017. His official portrait for his first term was subsequently released on October 6, 2017. [38] For Trump's second term, a new portrait was taken and revealed to the public on January 17, 2025, [39] which was then replaced by yet another official portrait released on June 2, 2025. [40] The commission for his portrait painting was undertaken by the National Portrait Gallery, with funding provided by donations from Trump's Save America PAC. [41]

Galleries

White House Historical Association presidential portraits

The White House Historical Association maintains a comprehensive collection of presidential portraits. The following presidents are represented:

It is important to note that the official portraits for Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were created by artists who were not employed by the federal government at the time of their commissions. Consequently, these images are not considered to be in the public domain and are therefore not included in this specific gallery. A complete compilation of these portraits can be found via the White House Historical Association's listing. The portraits of Donald Trump and Joe Biden by the White House Historical Association are still awaiting their official unveiling.

National Portrait Gallery presidential portraits

The National Portrait Gallery also maintains a significant collection of presidential portraits. The following presidents are represented in this collection:

It should be noted that portraits of Theodore Roosevelt and presidents who served after Coolidge are excluded from this list because they have not yet entered the public domain. For a comprehensive view, one can consult the National Portrait Gallery's "America's Presidents" collection. Information regarding the portrait of Barack Obama specifically from the National Portrait Gallery can be found under the title President Barack Obama (painting).