print-only banner
The White House Skip Main Navigation
  
 Home > History & Tours > Online Tour of the White House

Paintings of the Red Room

Portrait of Angelica Singleton Van Buren

An 1842 portrait of Angelica Van Buren, President Martin Van Buren's daughter-in-law and official hostess, hangs above the mantel in the Red Room. A white marble bust of Van Buren in the neoclassical style appears in the portrait; it is one of three busts of Van Buren executed by Hiram Powers, for whom the President posed in 1836. One of these busts is also located in the Red Room.



Picture of Niagara Falls

The distinctive oval design, chosen by John Frederick Kensett for its view of Niagara Falls, echoes the curve of the falls itself. America's natural beauties, and Niagara Falls in particular, were popular subjects for landscape painters in the 19th century.



Portrait of First Lady Dolly Madison

Gilbert Stuart's 1804 portrait of Dolley Madison, hanging on the west wall of the Red Room, is the best-known depiction of the First Lady. Secretary of State, James Madison commissioned this likeness and one of himself. The paintings hung in the drawing room of their Virginia estate throughout his lifetime.



Blue Room | China Room | Entrance and Cross Halls | Diplomatic Reception Room
East Room | Green Room | Library | Map Room | Red Room
State Dining Room | Vermeil Room

Return to the White House Tour