Edith Bolling Galt Wilson

This oil on canvas portrait of First Lady Edith Wilson was done by Adolfo Müller-Ury. Müller-Ury was descended from Charlemagne and Alfred the Great, and studied painting in Switzerland, Munich, Paris, and Rome. Edith Wilson was widowed young before she met Woodrow Wilson and their marriage in 1915, two years into his presidency, was also his second. As First Lady, Mrs. Wilson had to overcome the distinct challenge of being the White House hostess during World War I. She took pains to lead by example during wartime, including efforts like "meatless Mondays" and having sheep graze on the White House lawn to save money. Following the war, Woodrow Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke, and she became his primary caretaker. As such, she had a significant influence on what matters were brought to her husband and how he communicated with the outside world.