There are many pieces of fine art and historical furniture in the White House collection. Here is a visual catalog of some of the more famous and important ones. Click on the pictures for detail pages or the full size image.
Avenue in the Rain
The famous Childe Hassam painting Avenue in the Rain (1917) is part of the White House's own collection, donated during the Kennedy administration. Initially, it hung in President Kennedy's bedroom. Later, it hung in the President's Dining Room. |
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Bellange Chairs and Sofa
The bergère, sofa, and fauteuils of the Blue Room. |
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The China Collection
The White House's collection of china in the China Room dates from George Washington himself, although the collection is not complete. |
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George Washington
The portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart (circa 1797) is one of several replicas painted by Gilbert Stuart of his "Landsdowne" portrait.
It is the only object known to have remained in the White House since 1800 (except during renovations). This is the painting that Dolley Madison famously stayed late to ensure was rescued (by breaking the frame) when British troops sacked Washington and burned the White House and other government buildings.
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Lincoln Bed
A guest bed purchased by Mary Todd Lincoln, which has served several presidents as well as White House guests. |
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The Resolute Desk
This ornately-carved desk is used by most presidents in the Oval Office or Treaty Room study. |
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The Rough Rider
Commemorating TR's participation in the Spanish American War in the Rough Riders, this portrait was painted in 1909 by Tadé (Thadeus) Styka, a polish-born New York painter who also painted FDR's mother, Sarah. He was known for fast paintings, not meticulous detail, and TR's uniform is not entirely accurate. Nevertheless, it's one of the most recognized pieces in the White House collection. |
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Signing of the Peace Protocol Between Spain and the United States, August 12, 1898
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 in 1899. It hangs today in the Treaty Room, which was named for the event.
President McKinley dominates the left side, behind the calendar and letterbox on his desk. French Ambassador Jules Cambon, acting on behalf of Spain, signs the treaty at the Treaty Table. US Secretary of State William R Day sits next to the French Ambassador. The warm glow of the light and the partly opened window belie what was actually a hot but stormy afternoon. |
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Treaty Table
Orinally used for Cabinet meetings; now used as a desk in the president's study, the Treaty Room. |
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White House Piano
The custom Steinway and others. |
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