Object Details
Artist
Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer, 22 Sep 1897 - 21 Aug 1982
Sitter
Dwight David Eisenhower, 14 Oct 1890 - 28 Mar 1969
Exhibition Label
Thirty-fourth president, 1953–1961
After serving as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II (1939–45), Dwight D. Eisenhower embarked on a different type of campaign. Though both political parties sought him as their presidential candidate, in June 1952, he retired from the Army to run as a Republican with vice presidential candidate Richard Nixon. This painting was considered the “official” portrait of the Citizens for Eisenhower–Nixon, and postcard-sized prints were sold for five cents during his inauguration.
Under Eisenhower’s leadership, the United States saw the end of the Korean War, the construction of the interstate highway system, and the beginning of desegregation in the South. In 1957, he dispatched federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to protect African American students after the desegregation of Central High School.
Eisenhower also called for a civilian agency to oversee the space program, signing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration into law in 1958. Later that year, the Atlas Satellite relayed the first presidential address broadcast in space. Eisenhower’s “simple” message was, “Through this unique means I convey to you and to all mankind America's wish for peace on earth and good will toward men everywhere.”
34to presidente, 1953–1961
Luego de ser comandante supremo de la Fuerza Expedicionaria Aliada durante la 2a Guerra Mundial (1939–45), Dwight D. Eisenhower emprendió una campaña distinta. Aunque ambos partidos políticos lo querían como candidato presidencial, en junio de 1952 se retiró del ejército para postularse por los republicanos con Richard Nixon como candidato a la vicepresidencia. Esta imagen, considerada el retrato “oficial” del grupo Ciudadanos por Eisenhower y Nixon, se vendió durante la investidura en tamaño de tarjeta postal por cinco centavos.
Bajo Eisenhower se vio el fin de la Guerra de Corea, la construcción del sistema interestatal de autopistas y el inicio de la integración racial en el sur. En 1957 el presidente envió tropas federales a Little Rock, Arkansas, para proteger a los estudiantes afroamericanos tras la integración de la Central High School.
Eisenhower propuso una agencia civil para supervisar el programa espacial, y en 1958 firmó la Ley de la Administración Nacional de Aeronáutica y el Espacio. Ese año, el satélite Atlas transmitió el primer discurso presidencial desde el espacio. El “sencillo” mensaje de Eisenhower fue: “Por este medio único, comunico a ustedes y a toda la humanidad que Estados Unidos desea paz en la tierra y buena voluntad para todos los hombres”.
Provenance
The artist; his daughter Helen J. Biegel [Mrs. Mark Biegel], Chevy Chase, Md.; her son Paul Biegel; gift 1991 NPG
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Paul E. Biegel. Funding for the conservation of this artwork was generously provided through a grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.
Date
1951
Object number
NPG.91.100
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Stretcher: 131.4 x 101.6cm (51 3/4 x 40")
Frame: 151.8 x 121.9 x 7cm (59 3/4 x 48 x 2 3/4")
See more items in
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Exhibition
America's Presidents - Current
On View
NPG, West Gallery 210
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Topic
Interior
Printed Material\Papers
Costume\Dress Accessory\Handkerchief
Home Furnishings\Globe
Costume\Dress Accessory\Neckwear\Tie\Necktie
Symbols & Motifs\Flag\National flag\American
Costume\Dress Accessory\Handkerchief\Pocket square
Symbols & Motifs\Flag\Military\U.S. Air Force
Dwight David Eisenhower: Male
Dwight David Eisenhower: Arts and Culture\Literature\Writer
Dwight David Eisenhower: Military and Intelligence\Army\Officer\General
Dwight David Eisenhower: Arts and Culture\Education and Scholarship\Administrator\University administrator\University president
Dwight David Eisenhower: Politics and Government\Government official\President of US
Dwight David Eisenhower: Politics and Government\Chief of Staff
Dwight David Eisenhower: Military and Intelligence\Army\Officer\World War II
Dwight David Eisenhower: Legion of Honor
Dwight David Eisenhower: Military award\Distinguished Service Medal
Dwight David Eisenhower: Military award\Legion of Merit
Portrait
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npg_NPG.91.100