Patricia Nixon

Artist: Henriette Wyeth
Date of Work: 1978
Medium: oil paint
Type: Portrait
Credit: White House Collection/White House Historical Association

This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Patricia Nixon was painted by Henriette Wyeth in 1978. Mrs. Nixon oversaw renovations to parts of the White House including the China Room, the creation of the Map Room, and she had ramps installed for visitors with disabilities. Mrs. Nixon was the most-traveled first lady at the time, visiting thirty-nine states and at least twenty-three countries, including touring an active battle zone in South Vietnam. This portrait was hung on a wall in the Ground Floor Cross Hall of the White House on November 20, 1981. Richard Nixon was president from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974.