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The White House as Home and Symbol to John and Abigail Adams - Photo 2

The White House as Home and Symbol to John and Abigail Adams - Photo 2

Artist
Gilbert Stuart
Date of Work
ca. 1800
Credit
National Gallery of Art

The White House as Home and Symbol to John and Abigail Adams - Photo 2

This portrait of Abigail Adams was done by Gilbert Stuart, who was one of the most well-known portrait artists of the time. She was the wife of President John Adams and the mother of President John Quincy Adams. She traveled to Europe with her husband as he served the new United States in France and Great Britain. Although possessed of no formal education, Abigail was an avid reader and took charge of her children's education when it was interrupted by the Revolutionary War. Despite her failing health, she was the first First Lady to preside over the White House in Washington, D.C.

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