Artist Riley Sheehey reimagined the Decatur House ball held in honor of Maria and Samuel’s wedding–one of many high society parties to celebrate the newlyweds. The French Empire style that filtered into upper class American fashion in the early nineteenth century is visible amongst the guests’ dress. Puffed sleeves, high waistlines, and loose floor-length skirts adorned the crème-de-la-crème of the Washingtonian women in attendance. This illustration was originally commissioned for “A First Daughter’s White House Wedding: Etiquette Wars and a Celebration at Stephen Decatur’s House” by Lauren McGwin in White House History Quarterly 54.