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Artist:

his stunning painting is one of the masterpieces in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. This painting has everything – elegance, style, dignity, plus an intimate insight into the character and personality of the famous sitter. This is, in other words, a great portrait.

The President’s head and figure are sharply etched in contrasting light and shade. Note how the deep void of the fireplace flows into the dark of the figure to anchor the main subject and create a feeling of rock-solid sureness. This solid anchor allows the artist to render the impression of the White House interior with deft, free, liquid washes of oil color. There is no cloying or oppressive detail. In fact, the effect of the background details seem to be to give us a feeling of style and grace, rather than of raw power. This, plus the look in the President’s face which is kindly yet strong reminds us of the transitory nature of authority in our republic.

There are several master touches in this great painting. The shimmering light of the window reflecting in the mirror is dazzling in its realism. Every artist will be fascinated by the treatment of the doorway. A White House doorway, mind you, brushed-in here with a few casual back-and-forth sweeps of the brush! This moves our eye quickly back to the President, whose friendly yet firm expression commands our attention. This is contemporary portrait painting at its thrilling best. J.H.S.