• Barack Obama
    Robert McCurdy
    official portrait
    This official portrait of President Barack Obama was painted by Robert McCurdy in 2018. Prior to his election to the presidency, Obama served as a United States senator from Illinois. On January 20, 2009, he became the first African American president and served two terms from 2009 to 2017. Both portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were unveiled in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on September 7, 2022.
  • Emigrant Scene
    W. H. Powell
    American Indians
    painting
    This painting is attributed to William Henry Powell (sometimes known as W.H. Powell), who was a New York City painter and trained under Henry Inman. The painting depicts a group of settlers and their horses around a covered wagon. An American Indian man is in the center of the group and pointing off into the distance, suggesting he is providing directions to the seated figure looking at a map. Powell's "Discovery of the Mississippi by De Soto A.D. 1541" hangs in the United States Capitol Rotunda.
  • Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe
    Charles Willson Peale
    portraits
    likeness
    This portrait by Charles Willson Peale is of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Latrobe Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. Latrobe is best known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, St. John's Church and Decatur House in Lafayette Square, the White House East and West Terraces, and the Madison state rooms. He was also the chief engineer for the U.S. Navy. Peale was a soldier and inventor as well as an artist and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. His younger brother, James, and his son Rubens, each have pieces in the White House Collection. Joseph H. Bailey photographed the portrait for the White House Historical Association's records and publications in January 1975.
  • Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe
    Charles Willson Peale
    portraits
    likeness
    This portrait by Charles Willson Peale is of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Latrobe Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. Latrobe is best known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, St. John's Church and Decatur House in Lafayette Square, the White House East and West Terraces, and the Madison state rooms. He was also the chief engineer for the U.S. Navy. Peale was a soldier and inventor as well as an artist and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. His younger brother, James, and his son Rubens, each have pieces in the White House Collection. Joseph H. Bailey photographed the portrait for the White House Historical Association's records and publications in January 1975.
  • Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe
    Charles Willson Peale
    portraits
    likeness
    This portrait by Charles Willson Peale is of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Latrobe Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. Latrobe is best known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, St. John's Church and Decatur House in Lafayette Square, the White House East and West Terraces, and the Madison state rooms. He was also the chief engineer for the U.S. Navy. Peale was a soldier and inventor as well as an artist and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. His younger brother, James, and his son Rubens, each have pieces in the White House Collection. Joseph H. Bailey photographed the portrait for the White House Historical Association's records and publications in January 1975.
  • Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe
    Charles Willson Peale
    portraits
    likeness
    This portrait by Charles Willson Peale is of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Latrobe Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. Latrobe is best known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, St. John's Church and Decatur House in Lafayette Square, the White House East and West Terraces, and the Madison state rooms. He was also the chief engineer for the U.S. Navy. Peale was a soldier and inventor as well as an artist and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. His younger brother, James, and his son Rubens, each have pieces in the White House Collection. Joseph H. Bailey photographed the portrait for the White House Historical Association's records and publications in January 1975.
  • Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe
    Charles Willson Peale
    portraits
    likeness
    This portrait by Charles Willson Peale is of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Latrobe Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. Latrobe is best known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, St. John's Church and Decatur House in Lafayette Square, the White House East and West Terraces, and the Madison state rooms. He was also the chief engineer for the U.S. Navy. Peale was a soldier and inventor as well as an artist and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. His younger brother, James, and his son Rubens, each have pieces in the White House Collection. Joseph H. Bailey photographed the portrait for the White House Historical Association's records and publications in January 1975.
  • Theodore Roosevelt
    Tadé Styka
    portrait
    This painting of Theodore Roosevelt was painted by Polish artist Tadé Styka circa 1909. Styka depicts Roosevelt during his time with the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit that Roosevelt led during the Spanish-American War. The painting later hung in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. A former governor of New York, Roosevelt became president upon the assassination of William McKinley, on September 14, 1901 and served until March 4, 1909. This painting was acquired for the White House Collection by the White House Historical Association in 1974.
  • Theodore Roosevelt
    Tadé Styka
    portrait
    This painting of Theodore Roosevelt was painted by Polish artist Tadé Styka circa 1909. Styka depicts Roosevelt during his time with the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit that Roosevelt led during the Spanish-American War. The painting later hung in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. A former governor of New York, Roosevelt became president upon the assassination of William McKinley, on September 14, 1901 and served until March 4, 1909. This painting was acquired for the White House Collection by the White House Historical Association in 1974.
  • Going to Church
    George Henry Durrie
    landscape
    snow
    This rural landscape by George Henry Durrie was completed in 1853. A native of New England, Durrie often presented idyllic images of farm life, quiet refuges from America's rapid industrialization and escalating social and political tensions. This winter scene depicts members of a small town heading to church on foot and in horse-drawn sleighs.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
    Douglas Chandor
    portrait
    This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was painted by Douglas Chandor. Her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, was president from March 4, 1933 until his death on April 12, 1945, a span of time that included the Great Depression and the entirety of World War II. Mrs. Roosevelt advocated for many causes during her years in the White House, holding press conferences, traveling extensively, and writing a syndicated newspaper column. Following her time as first lady, Mrs. Roosevelt was appointed a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and was the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. There, she co-drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1949, Mrs. Roosevelt first sat for her portrait in Chandor's New York studio. The White House Historical Association purchased the portrait for the White House Collection. On February 4, 1966, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson invited more than 250 guests to the White House for the presentation of Eleanor Roosevelt's official portrait. Joseph J. Scherschel photographed the portrait in August 1965 at the time of its acquisition into the White House Collection.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
    Douglas Chandor
    portrait
    This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was painted by Douglas Chandor. Her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, was president from March 4, 1933 until his death on April 12, 1945, a span of time that included the Great Depression and the entirety of World War II. Mrs. Roosevelt advocated for many causes during her years in the White House, holding press conferences, traveling extensively, and writing a syndicated newspaper column. Following her time as first lady, Mrs. Roosevelt was appointed a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and was the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. There, she co-drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1949, Mrs. Roosevelt first sat for her portrait in Chandor's New York studio. The White House Historical Association purchased the portrait for the White House Collection. On February 4, 1966, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson invited more than 250 guests to the White House for the presentation of Eleanor Roosevelt's official portrait. Joseph J. Scherschel photographed the portrait in August 1965 at the time of its acquisition into the White House Collection.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
    Douglas Chandor
    portrait
    This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was painted by Douglas Chandor. Her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, was president from March 4, 1933 until his death on April 12, 1945, a span of time that included the Great Depression and the entirety of World War II. Mrs. Roosevelt advocated for many causes during her years in the White House, holding press conferences, traveling extensively, and writing a syndicated newspaper column. Following her time as first lady, Mrs. Roosevelt was appointed a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and was the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. There, she co-drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1949, Mrs. Roosevelt first sat for her portrait in Chandor's New York studio. The White House Historical Association purchased the portrait for the White House Collection. On February 4, 1966, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson invited more than 250 guests to the White House for the presentation of Eleanor Roosevelt's official portrait. Joseph J. Scherschel photographed the portrait in August 1965 at the time of its acquisition into the White House Collection.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
    Douglas Chandor
    portrait
    This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was painted by Douglas Chandor. Her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, was president from March 4, 1933 until his death on April 12, 1945, a span of time that included the Great Depression and the entirety of World War II. Mrs. Roosevelt advocated for many causes during her years in the White House, holding press conferences, traveling extensively, and writing a syndicated newspaper column. Following her time as first lady, Mrs. Roosevelt was appointed a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and was the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. There, she co-drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1949, Mrs. Roosevelt first sat for her portrait in Chandor's New York studio. The White House Historical Association purchased the portrait for the White House Collection. On February 4, 1966, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson invited more than 250 guests to the White House for the presentation of Eleanor Roosevelt's official portrait. Joseph J. Scherschel photographed the portrait in August 1965 at the time of its acquisition into the White House Collection.
  • Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe
    Charles Willson Peale
    portraits
    likeness
    This portrait by Charles Willson Peale is of architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Latrobe Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. Latrobe is best known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, St. John's Church and Decatur House in Lafayette Square, the White House East and West Terraces, and the Madison state rooms. He was also the chief engineer for the U.S. Navy. Peale was a soldier and inventor as well as an artist and created many portraits of Revolutionary War era figures. His younger brother, James, and his son Rubens, each have pieces in the White House Collection.
  • Niagara Falls
    John Frederick Kensett
    Hudson River School
    painting
    landscapes
    This oval-shaped landscape of Niagara Falls, New York was painted by John Frederick Kensett circa 1852-1854. Niagara Falls is painted from a distance with a high rising cloud of mist rising in the center of the painting. Born in Connecticut, Kensett was known for his paintings of New York and New England and his works are associated with the Luminist style, an offshoot of the Hudson River School. Kensett was one of the founding members of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Niagara Falls
    John Frederick Kensett
    Hudson River School
    landscapes
    painting
    This oval-shaped landscape of Niagara Falls, New York was painted by John Frederick Kensett circa 1852-1854. Niagara Falls is painted from a distance with a high rising cloud of mist rising in the center of the painting. Born in Connecticut, Kensett was known for his paintings of New York and New England and his works are associated with the Luminist style, an offshoot of the Hudson River School. Kensett was one of the founding members of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Mouth of the Delaware
    Thomas Birch
    ship
    seascape
    Delaware
    Delaware River
    This seascape of ships and boats crossing the rough current of the Delaware River was painted by Thomas Birch in 1828. The small rowboats are possibly harbor pilots who would help larger vessels navigate the Delaware River and Delaware Bay. It is likely this seascape takes place in Lewes, Delaware near Cape Henlopen due to the presence of these harbor pilots. Birch was born in Britain and came to the United States in 1794. He primarily worked in portraits and marine paintings. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Niagara Falls
    John Frederick Kensett
    Hudson River School
    landscapes
    painting
    This oval-shaped landscape of Niagara Falls, New York was painted by John Frederick Kensett circa 1852-1854. Niagara Falls is painted from a distance with a high rising cloud of mist rising in the center of the painting. Born in Connecticut, Kensett was known for his paintings of New York and New England and his works are associated with the Luminist style, an offshoot of the Hudson River School. Kensett was one of the founding members of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • The First Naval Action in the War of 1812
    William John Huggins
    ship
    seascape
    War of 1812
    This painting by William John Huggins depicting the first naval battle of the War of 1812, with several warships seen sailing on the horizon was completed in 1816. The watercolor captures the first naval action that broke out between the United States and Great Britain when the HMS Belvidera encountered the frigates USS President and USS United States and the sloops Hornet and Argus on June 23, 1812. The USS Congress, which was also present at the engagement, is not pictured. The British were not aware war had been declared when the American ships fired upon them. The Belvidera was able to evade and escape the confrontation. This same event is captured in a different painting in the White House Collection by James Stilwell. Huggins was a British artist well-known for his marine landscapes featuring ships. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Still Life with Fruit
    Rubens Peale
    fruit
    still lifes
    painting
    food
    This still life by American artist Rubens Peale was painted circa 1862. The oil on canvas still life captures an array of grapes, melon, and peaches or apples strewn across a tabletop along with a white cloth. Peale was the son of Charles Willson Peale, whose portrait of Benjamin Henry Latrobe is in the White House Collection, and the nephew of James Peale, who also has two still lifes in the White House Collection. Bates Littlehales photographed the painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • The First Naval Action in the War of 1812
    William John Huggins
    ship
    seascape
    War of 1812
    This painting by William John Huggins depicting the first naval battle of the War of 1812, with several warships seen sailing on the horizon was completed in 1816. The watercolor captures the first naval action that broke out between the United States and Great Britain when the HMS Belvidera encountered the frigates USS President and USS United States and the sloops Hornet and Argus on June 23, 1812. The USS Congress, which was also present at the engagement, is not pictured. The British were not aware war had been declared when the American ships fired upon them. The Belvidera was able to evade and escape the confrontation. This same event is captured in a different painting in the White House Collection by James Stilwell. Huggins was a British artist well-known for his marine landscapes featuring ships. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Still Life with Fruit
    Rubens Peale
    fruit
    still lifes
    painting
    food
    This still life by American artist Rubens Peale was painted circa 1862. The oil on canvas still life captures an array of grapes, melon, and peaches or apples strewn across a tabletop along with a white cloth. Peale was the son of Charles Willson Peale, whose portrait of Benjamin Henry Latrobe is in the White House Collection, and the nephew of James Peale, who also has two still lifes in the White House Collection. Bates Littlehales photographed the painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Mouth of the Delaware
    Thomas Birch
    ship
    seascape
    Delaware
    Delaware River
    This seascape of ships and boats crossing the rough current of the Delaware River was painted by Thomas Birch in 1828. The small rowboats are possibly harbor pilots who would help larger vessels navigate the Delaware River and Delaware Bay. It is likely this seascape takes place in Lewes, Delaware near Cape Henlopen due to the presence of these harbor pilots. Birch was born in Britain and came to the United States in 1794. He primarily worked in portraits and marine paintings. Bates Littlehales photographed the framed painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • Still Life With Fruit, Goblet, and Canary (Nature's Bounty)
    Severin Roesen
    still life
    This 1851 still life by Severin Roesen captures a tabletop with an overabundance of fruit strewn across several pieces of china and tiered stands. There is also a glass goblet filled with white wine, a canary, and fruit ranging from grapes to apples to lemons to cherries. The German-born Roesen immigrated to the United States in 1848 and was a prolific painter of still lifes such as this one. Three of his still lifes are in the White House Collection. Bates Littlehales photographed this painting in March 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.