Replica of Desk on Which James Monroe Signed the Monroe Doctrine

This color photograph shows a desk that is a replica of the desk that President James Monroe used to sign the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, in which he pledged to protect American interests in the Western Hemisphere. First Lady Lou Hoover acquired the replica desk for the White House Collection in 1932. The china displayed in the photograph was made by the Parisian firm Dagoty, likely during the first decade of the 19th century, and is believed to be a part of the Madisons' personal service. The butterfly painting is the work of artist Albert Bierstadt, made during an 1893 visit to the White House.