Title: Oil Portrait of Florence Kling Harding

Description: As first lady, Mrs. Harding openly invited guests to receptions, gave garden parties for veterans, and held poker parties with friends in the White House Library. The 18th amendment prohibited the consumption of alcohol, and entertaining at the White House followed suit. Philip de Laszlo’s portrait of Mrs. Harding came about after the artist observed the Hardings in conversation. He quickly sketched Mrs. Harding and used the sketch as a basis for his painting.

Date: 1921

Creator: Philip Alexius de Laszlo de lombos

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)