The Evolution of Art in the Oval Office: A Fascinating Journey from Kennedy to Biden

The Oval Office of the White House has been the epicenter of American politics and decision-making for over two centuries.

By  Pamela Jackson

The Oval Office of the White House has been the epicenter of American politics and decision-making for over two centuries. However, it is also a space that has been adorned with art, reflecting the personal tastes and cultural values of each president. This article delves into the fascinating history of art in the Oval Office, from the Kennedy administration to the present day Biden presidency.
John F. Kennedy was the first president to deliberately incorporate art into the Oval Office's decor. A lover of modern art, Kennedy invited famed interior designer William Walton to oversee the redecoration of the space. Walton selected artwork from the permanent collection of the White House, including a painting by Paul Cezanne, a landscape by John Singer Sargent, and a portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Joseph Duplessis. These pieces set the tone for future presidents, who would similarly use art to personalize and elevate the Oval Office.
Lyndon B. Johnson, who assumed the presidency after Kennedy's assassination, maintained the modern art focus of his predecessor. He added a painting by Frederic Remington, a depiction of cowboys driving cattle, which was a nod to his Texas roots. Johnson also installed a large rug, woven in muted tones, which featured the Seal of the President of the United States.
Richard Nixon, who served as president from 1969 to 1974, was an admirer of 17th-century Dutch art. He selected works by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Jan Steen to hang in the Oval Office. Nixon's successor, Gerald Ford, continued the tradition of displaying American art, including paintings by Norman Rockwell and Winslow Homer.

Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, was a patron of folk art and preferred works by self-taught artists. During his tenure, he displayed paintings by artists such as Howard Finster and Mose Tolliver. Carter's successor, Ronald Reagan, returned to the more classical style of art, with works by artists such as Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Sully adorning the Oval Office walls.
George H.W. Bush, who served as president from 1989 to 1993, was an avid collector of American art and displayed works by Winslow Homer, Frederic Edwin Church, and Childe Hassam. His son, George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009, had a more contemporary approach to art, displaying works by Jasper Johns, Richard Diebenkorn, and Susan Rothenberg.
Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, was the first African American president, and his art collection reflected his diverse background. Obama displayed works by African American artists such as Glenn Ligon, Alma Thomas, and William H. Johnson, as well as pieces by Native American and Asian American artists.
The current president, Joe Biden, who assumed office in 2021, is a longtime lover of art and has a deep appreciation for American craftsmanship. Biden has selected works by American artists, including a landscape by Andrew Wyeth and a painting by Jamie Wyeth, as well as a portrait of Benjamin Franklin by David Martin, which belonged to his late son, Beau.

In conclusion, the Oval Office has been home to an ever-evolving collection of art, reflecting the personal tastes and cultural values of each president. From Kennedy to Biden, the art in the Oval Office has served as a visual representation of American history, culture, and values. As the nation moves forward, one can only imagine what the Oval Office's art collection will look like in the years to come.