Official White House Portraits Press Collection

Press Room
Press Collections

The White House Historical Association has had an active role in acquiring and donating portraits of recent presidents and first ladies since 1965 when the Association sought to acquire a portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt from the widow of artist Douglas Granville Chandor. Since that time, it has been a fundamental goal to acquire historic portraits of presidents and first ladies, “either to represent those not in the collection or to replace earlier likenesses judged less than successful.” Presidents and first ladies typically select their respective artists before leaving the White House. The finished portraits are approved by them before their formal presentation to the public and induction into the White House Collection.

Compiled by the White House Historical Association. Please credit the Association by its full name when using this information.