President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance unveiled their official portraits on Thursday, just days before their inauguration on January 20. The portraits, which will hang in the White House and be used for official government purposes, symbolize the incoming administration’s commitment to “restoring American greatness.”
The history of the official presidential portrait in the United States is a tradition steeped in symbolism, artistry, and the legacy of leadership. These portraits serve as visual representations of the nation’s leaders and are displayed in the White House and other federal buildings to honor the office of the presidency and its occupants.
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The tradition of creating presidential portraits began with George Washington, the first President of the United States. One of the most famous early portraits of Washington was painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796. Stuart’s “Athenaeum” portrait, though unfinished, became iconic and was later used as the basis for the image of Washington on the U.S. dollar bill.
During the early years of the republic, portraits were the primary means of recording the likeness of the president. They were typically commissioned during or shortly after the president’s term in office and were painted by some of the era’s most renowned artists.
As the Trump-Vance administration prepares to take office, these portraits mark the beginning of their journey to implement their vision for the nation. With the formal inauguration only days away, the unveiling has set a tone of anticipation for what many see as a defining moment in American politics.
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