Since the founding of the United States, official presidential portraits have served as both an artistic tradition and a powerful symbol of leadership. From George Washington to the newly elected Donald Trump, these works of art capture the essence of our nation’s leaders and their times, offering a window into history while preserving legacies for future generations.
The tradition of official presidential portraits began in 1796 with Gilbert Stuart’s renowned painting of George Washington. His “Athenaeum” depiction became so iconic it appears on the $1 bill. Since then, every president commissioned a formal portrait, with styles evolving to reflect changing artistic movements and the personalities of the leaders themselves.
For his portrait, featuring an icy stare reminiscent of the mugshot that rallied his supporters against the lawfare of his political foes, Trump chose a picture taken by Pari Dukovic. The renowned photographer from Istanbul, Turkey, is known for his vibrant and dynamic portraiture. It contrasts sharply with the smiling face of Trump’s first-term photo.
Vice President J.D. Vance’s portrait, taken by White House Photographer Daniel Torok, highlights the former Marine Corps Corporal’s piercing blue eyes. The New York artist gained recognition for his work in both photography and film, reflecting a keen eye for detail and a commitment to storytelling through visual media. Characterizing the new portraits, the Trump team stated: “They go hard.”
During the 19th century, presidential portraiture was dominated by realism, as seen in the paintings of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. By the 20th century, artists began experimenting with more expressive and modern techniques, such as John Singer Sargent’s work for Woodrow Wilson. The diversity of approaches has expanded further in recent decades, with contemporary artists bringing new vibrancy and symbolism to their work.
John F. Kennedy's official portrait, painted posthumously by Brookly-born artist Aaron Shikler at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy, is analyzed as a character study. Unlike most presidential portraits, Kennedy is depicted as pensive, with his eyes downcast and arms folded. His wife’s only stipulation to Shikler was to “create an image different from the way everybody else makes him look, with the bags under his eyes and that penetrating gaze. I'm tired of that image."
More recently, presidential portraits have embraced a broader range of styles and voices. Barack Obama’s depiction, painted by Kehinde Wiley, broke traditional conventions with the president seated before a floral background, symbolizing elements of his heritage and history. The shift reflects changing artistic tastes and a move to represent the unique identities of America’s leaders.
Official portraits are displayed in the White House, with copies at government offices, courthouses, embassies, and military bases to symbolize the continuity of governance. They usually end up at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington or presidential libraries. They serve the dual purpose of honoring the individual service of each president while embodying the evolving ideals of American leadership. They stand as historical artifacts preserving the cultural, political, and artistic spirit of their time while offering future generations insight into the challenges and triumphs of each administration.