• James Madison
    Bureau of Engraving and Printing
    portrait
    engraving
    This engraving of President James Madison was produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. President Madison served in the United States House of Representatives and the cabinet. He served as president for two terms, from March 4, 1809 until March 4, 1817.
  • James Madison
    Charles Willson Peale
    portrait
    This miniature portrait of future president James Madison was painted by Charles Willson Peale. Madison was an accomplished legislator when he entered his presidency: he had previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates, the Second Continental Congress, and the House of Representatives. He played a pivotal role during his time in the House, drafting of the Bill of Rights, and later served as Thomas Jefferson's secretary of state. He was the first president to have previously served in Congress. Peale was a soldier and inventor and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. He has pieces, including a portrait of George Washington, in the White House Collection as do his younger brother, James, and his son, Rembrandt.
  • The Fall of Washington or Maddy in Full Flight
    S. W. Fores
    political cartoon
    War of 1812
    This illustration, titled "The Fall of Washington or Maddy in Full Flight," was created in October 1814 by Samuel William Fores, also known as S. W. Fores. This British cartoon depicts the retreat of President James Madison during the invasion of Washington, D.C. by British troops in the War of 1812. Underneath the illustration is a quotation from William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." It reads, "Death of thy Soul. Those linen cheeks of thine; Are Counsellors to fear."
  • The Splendid Mrs. Madison: In the Elliptical Saloon 1810-1814
    Peter Waddell
    Blue Room
    This painting by Peter Waddell titled "The Splendid Mrs. Madison: In the Elliptical Saloon 1810-1814," depicts First Lady Dolley Madison during one of her weekly parties. Mrs. Madison was a popular White House hostess while her husband, President James Madison, was in office. The Elliptical Saloon is now known as the Blue Room, one of the State Floor parlors and one of the more recognizable rooms in the White House. The Cross Hall and Entrance Hall are visible through the open door in the background, with a glimpse of the opened North Door leading out onto the North Portico and beyond. ***Interior use only for publications***
  • George Washington Presiding at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia
    Howard Chandler Christy
    Event
    This painting, completed by Howard Chandler Christy in 1940, depicts President George Washington presiding over the signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Independence Hall. Washington served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The first president was in office from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797. At the center of the painting, Benjamin Franklin is seen conversing with Alexander Hamilton. Just beyond them, sitting at a table to the right of the canvas, is future president James Madison.
  • James Madison
    John Vanderlyn
    official portrait
    This portrait of James Madison was painted by American artist John Vanderlyn in 1816, towards the end of Madison's presidency. James Monroe, Madison's close friend and successor, commissioned the portrait. Madison served in the House of Representatives and the cabinet. He was president from March 4, 1809 until March 4, 1817.
  • James Madison
    Edgar Parker
    portrait
    This portrait of James Madison was painted by Edgar Parker in 1878. Parker based the image on Gilbert Stuart's earlier portrait of Madison. Madison served in the House of Representatives and the cabinet. He was president from March 4, 1809 until March 4, 1817.