• Grace Goodhue Coolidge
    Howard Chandler Christy
    portrait
    This watercolor painting of First Lady Grace Coolidge by Howard Chandler Christy is a preliminary version of the official portrait he painted. That portrait has historically hung in the White House China Room, which was decorated in a shade of red to match Mrs. Coolidge's dress. Calvin Coolidge was president from August 2, 1923 until March 4, 1929. Mrs. Coolidge held a Bachelor's degree in teaching and taught at a school for deaf children before her marriage. See image number 137 for the official portrait.
  • 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.
  • Grace Goodhue Coolidge
    Howard Chandler Christy
    official portrait
    This portrait of First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge was painted by artist Howard Chandler Christy circa 1924, during Calvin Coolidge's presidency. Mrs. Coolidge poses with her white Collie, Rob Roy. The portrait hangs in the White House China Room, which was decorated in a shade of red to match Mrs. Coolidge's dress. Calvin Coolidge was president from August 2, 1923 until March 4, 1929. Mrs. Coolidge held a Bachelor's degree in teaching and taught at a school for deaf children before her marriage.
  • Rachel Jackson
    Howard Chandler Christy
    official portrait
    This oil on canvas portrait of Rachel Jackson was painted in 1941 by Howard Chandler Christy after an earlier work by Ralph E. W. Earl. Rachel Jackson was married to President Andrew Jackson, but died suddenly just after his election and before he was inaugurated. Because of this, she never officially held the title of First Lady. The first lady's duties as official White House hostess were undertaken by her niece, Emily Donelson.