French Empire soup tureen, circa 1809–1817, made by Jacques-Henri Fauconnier and acquired for the White House by President James Monroe.

The cover story of this week’s issue of Antiques and the Arts Online features the stories behind many of the furniture, ceramics, textiles and metals that make up the Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House exhibition:

Often called the People’s House, the White House has been toured by many Americans, but the rooms are so impressive and the décor so compelling that individual objects often get lost among all the glories. Seeing them singled out in an exhibition such as this, learning who created them, in what style, for what purpose and for which first family, adds interest to each item and makes it come alive.

Read the full article and view more images at Antiques and the Arts Online.