William Henry Harrison

Artist: James Reid Lambdin
Date of Work: 1835
Type: Portrait
Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)

This portrait of William Henry Harrison was painted by James Reid Lambdin in 1835, five years before he became president. Harrison, known for his military service in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, had retired to civilian life by the time Lambdin painted his portrait. Harrison came out of retirement in 1840 and won the presidential election. After serving only thirty-two days, however, Harrison became the first President to die in office. His term remains the shortest presidential tenure. Lambdin's painting later became his official presidential portrait. Harrison's grandson, Benjamin, would be elected president in 1889.