Presented by the White House Historical Association
Presidential Portraits
- Host
- Stewart McLaurin
- Guest
- Betty Monkman, Former White House Curator, and William Kloss, Art Historian
- Date
- 2/23/17
- Duration
- 34 minutes
Portrait artists have captured the image and personality of our presidents throughout history, providing a record of their time in office and highlighting their accomplishments and leadership. It wasn’t always tradition to commission a portrait for the president, as it is today. Each one comes with a unique story, from the symbolism in the portrait to the artist who painted it. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin talks to Former White House Curator Betty Monkman and Art Historian William Kloss to learn more about the history of these portraits, how the White House began to collect them, and the stories they tell.
Browse the Presidential Portraits and First Lady Portraits.
Episodes
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A Tour of White House History with Michael Beschloss
Featuring Historian Michael Beschloss
-
St. John’s, the Church of the Presidents
Featuring Rev. Robert Fisher, Rector at St. John’s Church
-
Special Episode: Reflections on the First 49 Episodes
Featuring Various Guests from Previous Episodes
-
Wine and the White House
Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., Chairman of the White House Historical Association
-
White House Transitions
Featuring Dr. Martha Kumar, Director, White House Transition Project, Tina Tchen, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
-
The Decorator-In-Chief
Featuring Michael S. Smith, Interior Designer for the Obama White House
President of the White House Historical Association
As President of the White House Historical Association Stewart McLaurin leads the nonpartisan, nonprofit in its mission to preserve, protect, and provide access to White House history. As a lifelong student of history, Stewart is an avid reader and storyteller. His first book, White House Miscellany was published this past year and he authors a quarterly column in the White House History Journal. Drawing on his own experiences, relationships, and knowledge he provides listeners with a front row seat to history at the White House.