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The White House at War

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To commemorate the end of the Spanish American War, artist Theobald Chartran painted the signing of the peace protocol between Spain and the United States. French Ambassador Jules Cambon, acting on behalf of Spain, signs the treaty at the table originally purchased by President Grant. U. S. Secretary of State William R. Day sits next to the French Ambassador, and his three assistant secretaries watch the proceedings from behind. President McKinley dominates the left side of the painting behind the calendar and letterbox on his desk. The warm glow of the light in the room and the partly opened window remind the viewer that the signing took place on what was likely a hot summer afternoon.

The White House at War

The White House at War, Theobald Chartran, 1899.

The White House Historical Association (White House Collection)

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