This portrait of Francis Preston Blair, Jr. historically hangs in the library of Blair House. Blair House is located across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House and has been used as the president's guest house since the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. Visiting diplomats and dignitaries stay at Blair House while on official visits with the White House and is also where the president-elect and first family reside prior to taking the oath of office. Blair, Jr. was the middle son of the Blair family. He chose to live in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was a real estate businessman. During the Civil War he commanded a group of volunteers from St. Louis in fighting for the Union.

This oil on canvas painting of Ulysses S. Grant was done by Henry Ulke. Ulke emigrated from Prussia following the Revolution of 1848 and painted portraits of presidents, cabinet members, and other notable people. Prior to his presidency, Grant was a Civil War military leader who became Commanding General of the United States in March of 1864. He served as president from March 4, 1869 until March 4, 1877.