This portrait of Richard M. Nixon was painted by Alexander Benjamin Clayton. Former President Nixon posed for this portrait at his New York City residence in 1981. This portrait was hung on a wall in the State Floor of the White House on November 20, 1981. Prior to being elected president, Nixon had a career as a lawyer, served on active duty with the U.S. Navy Reserves during World War II, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then the Senate, and served as President Dwight Eisenhower's vice president. He was president from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974.