![]() ![]() The president did not like following the instructions of others. Sargent, a seasoned artist, understood how to properly stage a portrait: he decided to have Roosevelt pose somewhere indoors, and looked for ways to demonstrate his passion for nature, his “rugged strength,” his identity as a politician, and his personable side, all at once. He took a walk with Roosevelt around the premises, searching for the ideal location to conduct the painting. Sargent arrived at the White House on February 11, 1903, just days after Chartran departed. And yet, painting President Roosevelt was a challenge. ![]() John Singer Sargent was an esteemed portraitist who had painted many notable public figures. “It seems to me eminently fitting that an American President should have you paint his picture.” Īt the time, the president probably didn’t know how much he would despise having his portrait done. Roosevelt had written to Sargent, stating: Sargent’s reputation made him a clear choice: he was an American expatriate artist who had plenty of experience painting leading figures (including barons, company leaders, and the like), and he was praised for his ability to “ beneath the surface” of his sitters. In 1902, Roosevelt had started thinking about who he wanted to paint his official presidential portrait. In fact, the President himself had invited him, many months before. īut before he could put the matter from his mind, Roosevelt was reminded that the White House was expecting yet another portraitist in the coming days: John Singer Sargent. He’d sat for an artist for several stretches of time in the past weeks, despite his ever-busy schedule-and the final product was not worth it. Jokingly, and to the president’s dismay, they nicknamed the portrait “the mewing cat.” Nonetheless, it was sent off, to be exhibited throughout France.Īt this point, Roosevelt likely felt frustrated. Rather, he looked powerless and dainty, according to the Roosevelt family. But when completed, the person in his painting was not the exuberant, proud, nature-loving man that America had elected as its 26th president. I do not particularly like it.” Ĭhartran finished his portrait of Roosevelt in the early days of February. Writing in a letter to his son, Kermit, Roosevelt professed coldly, “Chartran has been painting my picture. Judging from Chartran’s past work, Roosevelt was probably looking forward to receiving a well-crafted portrait of himself but as he watched the painting gradually take shape, he was appalled. ![]() (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)Ĭhartran returned to Washington on January 21, 1903, and arranged to paint the president, tasked with portraying both areas of his complicated character. Theodore Roosevelt's official presidential portrait, painted by John Singer Sargent in 1903, has become an iconic image of the 26th president. He was in part kind, charming, and enthusiastic about life but he was also a man of power, with a commanding presence and resolute disposition. President Roosevelt was a man with an extraordinary personality. But, in truth, he was not the most pleasant subject to paint-as could be confirmed by two separate portraitists. Unsurprisingly, then, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted a portrait of himself that was equally as flattering. He had successfully portrayed Edith Roosevelt: she was a strong, thoughtful woman, though with a certain kindness in her eyes that came from being a devoted mother. Throughout France and the United States, the painting was met with great public acclaim. ![]() Roosevelt’s portrait was created by the renowned French artist Théobald Chartran in 1902. Beneath her hat, a small smile plays upon the First Lady’s face as she looks into the distance. She is poised comfortably upon a bench in the White House grounds, a rainbow of pastel colors bringing the background to life. In one hand she holds a pair of silky gloves, and in the other, an elegant cane. She wears a long white dress and a stylish black coat, with a frilly shawl draped around her shoulders. In her official portrait as First Lady, Edith Roosevelt appears regal yet graceful. It was such a success that Chartran returned to Washington the following year to paint the president. Théobald Chartran painted Edith Roosevelt's official portrait as First Lady in 1902. ![]()
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