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West Garden Room, Obama Administration

This photograph, taken by Matthew D'Agostino on February 11, 2014 during the Barack Obama administration, shows the floral decorations that adorned the West Garden Room. Plotted flowers, including orchids and amaryllises, bloom on the table, while the allegorical work "Union" by Italian-born artist Constantino Brumidi hangs on the wall. Brumidi completed "Union" and its companion piece "Liberty" in 1869. President Ulysses S. Grant commissioned the works for display in the renovated Entrance Hall of the White House. Representing the indivisibility of the restored Union after the Civil War, both were mounted in the ceiling after completion. The pieces were removed during the Benjamin Harrison administration, and returned to the White House following their rediscovery in 1978. This photograph was taken following a State Arrival Ceremony held on the South Lawn of the White House in honor of President François Hollande of the French Republic as part of his official State Visit with President Obama.
Photographer
Matthew D'Agostino
Date of Work
February 11, 2014
Type
Photograph
Credit
White House Historical Association
View in the Digital Library

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