W. G. Williams, President and Mrs. Eisenhower, May 12, 1955, oil on canvas and embossed paper with fabric and paper collage and plastic pearls, 30 7⁄8 x 32 7⁄8 in. (78.4 x 83.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1989.78.1
Copied
Artwork Details
- Title
- President and Mrs. Eisenhower
- Artist
- Date
- May 12, 1955
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 30 7⁄8 x 32 7⁄8 in. (78.4 x 83.5 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr.
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas and embossed paper with fabric and paper collage and plastic pearls
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Occupation — political — first lady
- Architecture Exterior — religious — church
- Object — other — flag
- Religion — New Testament — Good Shepherd
- Portrait female — Eisenhower, Mamie — bust
- Portrait male — Eisenhower, Dwight David — bust
- Occupation — political — president
- Object Number
- 1989.78.1
Artwork Description
W. G. Williams created this painting two years after Dwight Eisenhower became president in 1953. The artist based the features and clothing on news photos and included details such as Mamie Eisenhower’s famous pearls and hat (Lynda Hartigan, Made with Passion, 1990). He surrounded the figures with images from scripture, perhaps hoping that America’s leaders would look to the Bible for guidance.
Works by this artist (1 item)
Artist
DateMay 12, 1955
oil on canvas and embossed paper with fabric and paper collage and plastic pearls