Portrait of John Adams by John Trumbull.

Presidents are often painted for several reasons, including historical documentation, commemoration, and personal legacy. These presidential portraits serve as visual records, capturing the likeness and demeanour of individuals who have held the highest office in the nation, providing insights into their appearance, personality, and leadership style for future generations to study and appreciate.

Additionally, presidential portraits are commissioned to commemorate their tenure in office, honouring their contributions to the nation and serving as tributes displayed in public buildings, government offices, and presidential libraries. Moreover, presidents may commission portraits as a means of shaping their own legacy, influencing how they are remembered by posterity through the selection of an artist and decisions on the style and composition of the portrait. This tradition of presidential portraiture, dating back to the earliest days of the United States, plays a vital role in preserving the history and legacy of the presidency, providing future generations with a visual record of the individuals who have shaped the nation’s destiny.

1. “George Washington” by Gilbert Stuart.

presidential portraits
Portrait of George Washington.

Gilbert Stuart, an American portrait painter, is best known for his iconic portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This portrait, commonly referred to as the “Athenaeum Portrait,” depicts Washington in a regal pose, wearing a black velvet suit and a white cravat. Stuart’s portrayal of Washington has become one of the most recognisable images of the first president and has been reproduced countless times.

2. “Abraham Lincoln” by George Peter Alexander Healy.

presidential portraits
Abraham Lincoln posed for George Peter Alexander Healy.

George Peter Alexander Healy, an American portrait painter, created a notable portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This portrait, completed in 1869, depicts Lincoln in a contemplative pose, with his hand resting on his chin. Healy’s painting captures the solemn dignity and wisdom of Lincoln, making it one of the most celebrated portraits of the 16th president.

3. “Theodore Roosevelt” by John Singer Sargent.

Presidential portrait of Theodore Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent.

John Singer Sargent, an American artist known for his presidential portraits, painted a striking portrait of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Completed in 1903, this portrait depicts Roosevelt in a confident stance, with his hands resting on a chair. Sargent’s skilful depiction of Roosevelt’s likeness and personality earned him acclaim as one of the most accomplished portrait painters of his time.

4. “Franklin D. Roosevelt” by Elizabeth Shoumatoff.

The “Unfinished Portrait” of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Elizabeth Shoumatoff, a Russian-born American portrait artist, painted a famous portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. This portrait, known as the “Unfinished Portrait,” was being painted when Roosevelt suffered a fatal stroke in 1945. Shoumatoff’s unfinished painting has since become an iconic representation of Roosevelt’s presidency and is often displayed in museums and presidential libraries.

5. “Barack Obama” by Kehinde Wiley.

presidential portraits
Kehinde Wiley’s presidential portrait of Barack Obama.

Kehinde Wiley, a contemporary American artist, created an official portrait of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, in 2018. This portrait, unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, depicts Obama seated against a backdrop of lush foliage and symbolic flowers.

Wiley’s portrait broke from tradition by featuring Obama in a more relaxed and modern pose, reflecting the former president’s dynamic personality and cultural significance.