Object Details
Artist
Jacob Eichholtz, born Lancaster, PA 1776-died Lancaster, PA 1842
Sitter
James Buchanan
Luce Center Label
James Buchanan served many roles before he was elected the fifteenth president of the United States. This portrait was painted after his term as minister to Russia, but he also acted as a representative, senator, and secretary of state. Jacob Eichholtz's painting accurately depicts Buchanan, who often wore black suits and large white cravats. The future president appears composed and confident, but his slightly uneven eyes give him an intimidating stare. The portrait was owned by Buchanan and then given to his niece, Harriet Lane Johnston, who served as his official hostess at the White House during his administration.
Luce Object Quote
"He was, on the whole, a distinguished and handsome looking man, and his size and fine proportions gave a dignity and commanding air to his personal presence. His manner and bearing had much of the old-fashioned courtly school about it." James Buchanan Henry, quoted in The Works of James Buchanan, ed. John Bassett Moore, 1911, p. 330
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston
Date
1834
Object number
1906.9.5
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
Painting
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
36 1/8 x 28 1/4 in. (91.7 x 71.8 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 1B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Occupation\political\president
Portrait male\waist length
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1906.9.5