We usually think of Presidents' Day as celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But we found this presidential gem of President and Mrs. Eisenhower, from 1955, two years after the former five-star general took office. The colorful image by W.G. Williams takes a traditional oil-on-canvas format then adds paper, fabric, and plastic pearls—this last being an homage to Mamie Eisenhower's most famous accessory. The rest of the painting is surrounded by images from scripture.
More than half a century later, we're flooded with images of presidents and leaders in all types of media. Williams' painting seems to capture a folksy Americana that is possibly the antidote to all the sufferings from the recent second World War. The pearls may be plastic, but the sky is pure blue.
Happy Birthday from American Art to all our presidents, and a quick get well wish to number 42!
