Painted Mantels in the East Room, Kennedy Administration
The photograph of the East Room was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on May 10, 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration. It shows the fireplace mantels which were painted to resemble marble as part of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's redecoration. The room is the largest room in the White House and is often used as a ceremonial space. The room is painted white and has 18th-century French and English-inspired ornate walls and ceiling. To make way for temporary furniture for ceremonies and holiday decorations, the East Room is usually sparsely furnished.