A trip to Washington, with its monuments and centuries-old buildings, is a historic tour enjoyed by most Americans. Art lovers can view all 43 portraits of the presidents, giving them a glimpse of the past. Some of the oil paintings are on display at the White House, at the choice of the sitting president, while the others can be seen at the National Gallery of Art.

A renowned portrait artist of his day, Gilbert Stuart, began painting George Washington in 1797. When the British troops torched the White House in the War of 1812, First Lady Dolley Madison saved the painting. Another Stuart likeness of the first president – which the painter never completed – adorns the $1 bill.

Throughout history, there are other fascinating stories about the Presidential Portraits. When Theodore Roosevelt had his first painting done, he hated it, so John Singer Sargent re did it. Sargent spent time following the president around to get the right light and pose. Roosevelt grew impatient with the painter, and the two exchanged heated words on the staircase leading up to the second floor. It was at that spot, with the inpatient Roosevelt gripping a balustrade post, that Sargent captured the image of the 26th president.

The painting of Woodrow Wilson by an English artist, Sir William Orpen, is considered one of the most interesting of the Presidential Series. As the president was on stage at the Paris Peace Conference that followed World War I, the Irish painter was able to catch up with the president. Wilson took an unwelcome break so Orpen never finished the painting. The bottom of the canvas was never completed and has the appeal of a work in progress, just like the peace conference.

Photography developed in the 20th century. Presidential oil paintings were commissioned until after the president let office. John F. Kennedy was painted posthumously in 1970. This is most likely known as the most touching picture in the entire presidential collection. It shows Kennedy standing and looking downward, arms crossed, pensive and brooding. It is said to be a reflection of the legacy left by him.

Simmie Knox made history by becoming the first African-American to paint a Presidential Portrait with Bill Clinton, the 42nd president. Clinton looks relaxed with one hand in his pocket. This is the first presidential portrait to have an American flag in it.

George W. Bush asked his friend and Yale classmate, Robert A. Anderson, to paint a casual portrait for his Presidential Portrait. The president was sitting. Wearing a light blue Western-style shirt, is smiling hopefully, perhaps asking the American people to think more favorably of his tumultuous time in office. Bush couldn’t wait to leave office to have the painting revealed. The picture was on display at the National Portrait gallery on December 19, 2008.

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