Presidential Portraits
Page 2

Please note that though we try to keep these pages up to date, we may have other Presidential portraits not listed here.
Please contact us if you would like a current list of any President, and also visit our page of small portraits.

John Adams [1797-1801]

A handsome portrait from a rare series of "Portraits of the Presidents." The publisher of this series was C.W. Williams, who used two of the most important figures in early American lithography, Alfred Newsam and P.S. Duval. Alfred Newsam, a deaf mute, began work as a lithographic artist almost two decades before working for Cephas G. Childs, a Philadelphia engraver and print publisher. Newsam was particularly noted for his portraits, including all the earliest images for the McKenney & Hall series of Indian portraits. In 1831, Childs formed a partnership with Henry Inman, at which time he went to Europe to learn more about lithography, which was still in its early stages. Childs came back with P.S. Duval, to help run the Childs & Inman presses. This was perhaps Childs' most significant contribution to American lithography, for Duval was to become one of the foremost lithographers in the country and the world. The quality of the work of both Newsam and Duval is evident in this fine portrait, which is finely drawn, lithographed, and colored. The image is surrounded by an elaborate border, indicating that Williams wanted his series to stand out from the plainer prints issued by his competitors. His strategy does not appear to have been very successful, as the scarcity of these images indicates not that many were sold. $525

"John Adams. Second President of the United States." No imprint, but probably printed by Currier. Undated. Small folio. 12 x 9 3/8. Lithograph. Original hand color. Wide margins. C:3251. $325

John Quincy Adams [1825-1829]

A nice example of the classic print of John Quincy Adams as President. Thomas Sully had been commissioned previously by Philadelphia publisher William H. Morgan to paint a portrait of James Madison for a series of Presidential engravings Morgan was publishing. When Adams was elected, Morgan went back to Sully to paint his image and Sully in turn arranged to hire Asher B. Durand to do the engraving. Durand, who had made a name for himself with his engraving of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence, is generally considered to be the greatest American engraver of the time. Sully's image shows Adams sitting in his study with a large volume open on his knees. Book filled shelves appear in the back, another large folio leans against the chair, and a table is covered with other volumes and a packet of documents. Of particular interest are the two large partially unrolled maps, one of which shows the profile and topography of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which Adams was involved with and which he attended the ground breaking of in 1828. This print, produced by two of America's leading artistic figures of the early nineteenth century, is the best of Adams during his Presidency and one of the best political portraits of the time. $1,800

Alfred Newsam. "John Q. Adams. 6th. President of the United States." Philadelphia: C.W. Williams, 1846. Ca. 10 1/2 x 9. Lithograph by P.S. Duval. Original hand color. Very good condition.

A handsome portrait from a rare series of "Portraits of the Presidents." The publisher of this series was C.W. Williams, who used two of the most important figures in early American lithography, Alfred Newsam and P.S. Duval. Alfred Newsam, a deaf mute, began work as a lithographic artist almost two decades before working for Cephas G. Childs, a Philadelphia engraver and print publisher. Newsam was particularly noted for his portraits, including all the earliest images for the McKenney & Hall series of Indian portraits. In 1831, Childs formed a partnership with Henry Inman, at which time he went to Europe to learn more about lithography, which was still in its early stages. Childs came back with P.S. Duval, to help run the Childs & Inman presses. This was perhaps Childs' most significant contribution to American lithography, for Duval was to become one of the foremost lithographers in the country and the world. The quality of the work of both Newsam and Duval is evident in this fine portrait, which is finely drawn, lithographed, and colored. The image is surrounded by an elaborate border, indicating that Williams wanted his series to stand out from the plainer prints issued by his competitors. His strategy does not appear to have been very successful, as the scarcity of these images indicates not that many were sold. $525

After Gilbert Stuart. "John Quincy Adams. President of the United States." No date. Engraving by J.B. Longacre. 7 x 6. Very good condition.

A engraving of Adams based on Gilbert Stuart's painting. $125

Arthur J. Stansbury. "John, Quincy, Adams. Sketch'd by Arthur J. Stansbury Esqr. A Few Hours Previous To The Death of Mr. Adams." New York, 1848. Lithograph by Sarony & Major. 10 1/4 x 14 1/8. Very good condition.

A most unusual memorial print, based on an 'on-the-spot' drawing done just before Adams died. This finely produced lithograph by Sarony & Major, with its sombre and patriotic border, would have been sold to a grieving public as news of the President's death was announced. $225

James Buchanan [1857-1861]

Grover Cleveland [1885-1889]

Millard Fillmore [1850-1853]

James A. Garfield [1881]

A strong portrait of James Garfield issued after his death. The print is of particular interest for its Masonic themes. Garfield was a Mason, as was the publisher, Boyd A. Wadhams, and the image of Garfield on a stallion is filled with Masonic images. The print was lithographed by the Chicago firm of Kurz & Allison, that is well known for its production of commemorative prints using the latest technological advances. Founded in 1885, their avowed purpose was to design "for large scale establishments of all kinds, and in originating and placing on the market artistic and fancy prints of the most elaborate workmanship." This unusual and rare print is a nice example of their work and a fascinating historical document. $325

"J.A. Garfield and Family.". Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1882. Large folio. Lithograph. Very good condition.

The Chicago firm of Kurz & Allison is well remembered for its production of commemorative prints using the latest technological advances. Founded in 1885, their avowed purpose was to design "for large scale establishments of all kinds, and in originating and placing on the market artistic and fancy prints of the most elaborate workmanship." Elaborate they certainly were, and they well represented the artistic taste of their period. Many of the prints from the firm were of the Civil War, but they included other important scenes of American history and a few portraits such as this print showing Garfield, as President, with his family. Drawn in a rigid style that follows from Kurz's background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images. $350

[George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield.] Boston: John A Lowell, 1884. 16 3/8 x 23. Engraving by J.A.J. Wilcox. With blind stamp. Wide margins. Excellent condition.

The assassination of a President brings on both national mourning and a desire to honor the slain. Abraham Lincoln's murder generated a large number of prints both scenes of the event and portraits of Lincoln memorializing him. Less than twenty years later, on July 2, 1881, another President, James Garfield, was shot in a Washington railroad station and died about two months later. Printmakers once again issued prints to memorialize the slain President. This print is a moving tribute to Garfield, linking him both with Lincoln, but also the father of our country, George Washington. Washington's portrait sits in the center flanked by two American flags and an incense pot labeled "Pro Patria." To the sides are portraits of the two assassinated Presidents, each surrounded by laurel leaves. Finishing this rich image are vignettes depicting statues of Lincoln and Garfield and, at the top, a scene of the sun rising before the Washington monument. $600

U.S. Grant [1869-1877]

A handsome portrait of U.S. Grant as President, produced primarily in the mezzotint process by William Sartain. Sartain, along with his father John, was the foremost American practitioner of this elaborate printmaking process for the production of historical prints. His prints always have a strong and rich texture that enhances their aesthetic qualities considerably, and the images are always historically quite accurate. This combination makes prints by William Sartain most desirable, and this example is no exception. The print shows Grant as President, standing by a desk covered with documents, letters and writing instruments. Conventions of formal portraiture include a curtain of elegance hanging in front of a classical pillar of strength, just covering a bookshelf filled with leather bound volumes. In the background is the U.S. Capitol dome. This striking image is unusual in showing a civilian Grant, a role for which he is less well remembered than as a military victor. $450

"Gen. Grant and Family." Washington: George Stinson & Co., 1871. 17 x 23 7/8. Lithograph. Wide margins. Very good condition.

A fine lithograph in the tradition of the Washington & Family and Lincoln & Family prints that became so popular in the mid-nineteenth century. This image, issued during Grant's first Presidential term, shows the President (in a military uniform), presumably sitting in the White House surrounded by his family. Mrs. Grant sits with he eldest son, the next in line standing by his father, and the two youngest sitting reading on a settee in the background. Out the window one can see the dome of the Capital and the other details-of wallpaper, curtains, a vase, etc.-are wonderful in showing an image of what the interior of the White House may have looked like just after the Civil War. $375

"U.S. Grant." No date, but probably ca. 1872. Two tone lithograph. 16 x 11. Very good condition.

An unusual, very "Presidential" portrait of Grant, perhaps issued during this campaign for a second term in 1872. Based on a photograph, this is a nice portrait of the President who is most often shown as a General. $150

Benjamin Harrison [1889-1893]

William Henry Harrison [1841]

An early Currier print, showing the death of Harrison and recording his last works, "I wish you to understand the true principles of the Government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more." $325

"William Henry Harrison. Ninth President of the United States." N. Currier, 1838-56. Small folio. 11 3/4 x 9 1/4. Lithograph. Original hand color. Minor wear at edge of bottom margin. Gale: 7234. With six buttons visible on jacket. $325

"William Henry Harrison. Ninth President of the United States." N. Currier, 1838-56. Small folio. 11 3/4 x 9 1/4. Gale: 7235. Similar to above, but three buttons visible on jacket. $325

Herbert Hoover [1929-1933]

An attractive likeness of Hoover executed by Josef Pierre Nuyttens (1885-1960), born in Antwerp, Holland and educated in Antwerp and at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Nuyttens exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, and his work is in their permanent collection, as well as in the collections of the White House, The Royal Palace in Brussels, and the State House in Springfield, Illinois. This is a handsome portrait of President Hoover, issued in the year of his inauguration. $250

Andrew Jackson [1829-1837]

The first series of popular prints of the Presidents was published by Pendleton lithography in 1828. This inspired a number of other similar series, including those by Currier & Ives. The earliest series to follow the Pendleton prints was a set done by George Endicott in New York City about 1834. These prints were lithographed by W. Ball, and not only are they are generally higher quality than most other popular Presidential series, but Endicott expanded the original five prints to extend as late as Martin Van Buren, the eighth President. This is a fine example of this rare series. $325

Alfred Newsam. "Andrew Jackson. 7th. President of the United States." Philadelphia: C.W. Williams, 1846. Ca. 10 1/2 x 9. Lithograph by P.S. Duval. Original hand color. Very good condition.

A handsome portrait from a rare series of "Portraits of the Presidents." The publisher of this series was C.W. Williams, who used two of the most important figures in early American lithography, Alfred Newsam and P.S. Duval. Alfred Newsam, a deaf mute, began work as a lithographic artist almost two decades before working for Cephas G. Childs, a Philadelphia engraver and print publisher. Newsam was particularly noted for his portraits, including all the earliest images for the McKenney & Hall series of Indian portraits. In 1831, Childs formed a partnership with Henry Inman, at which time he went to Europe to learn more about lithography, which was still in its early stages. Childs came back with P.S. Duval, to help run the Childs & Inman presses. This was perhaps Childs' most significant contribution to American lithography, for Duval was to become one of the foremost lithographers in the country and the world. The quality of the work of both Newsam and Duval is evident in this fine portrait, which is finely drawn, lithographed, and colored. The image is surrounded by an elaborate border, indicating that Williams wanted his series to stand out from the plainer prints issued by his competitors. His strategy does not appear to have been very successful, as the scarcity of these images indicates not that many were sold. $525

Thomas Sully. [Jackson.] Philadelphia: George W. Childs, 1852. 22 1/2 x 17 1/2. Engraving by Thomas B. Welch. Proof before letters. Wide margins. Very good condition.

Thomas Sully painted this likeness of Jackson in 1824, although he did not execute a completed oil on canvas until 1845. Sully had given a sketched copy of the portrait to Jackson, who in turn had given it to Francis Blair, and that is the source of this engraving. (See: James G. Barber's Andrew Jackson. A Portrait Study, Washington, 1991: 207-10). This handsome and sympathetic bust portrait is the head and shoulders for the full-length oil on canvas of Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans by Sully. It is also the basis for the portrait of Jackson on the twenty dollar bill today. The painting ended up in the collection of Francis Preston Blair and from that painting Welch made this rich engraving. A classic image of Jackson. This is a proof copy of this print, before title was added. $525

Another example of Sully's image listed above, but with titles and facsimile signature added. Very handsome and in very good condition. $600

"Gen: Andrew Jackson. The Hero Of New-Orleans." N. Currier, 1838-56. Small folio. Vignette: ca. 12 x 9 1/2. Very good condition.

A classic Currier portrait, showing a young Jackson on a charger at the Battle of New Orleans. $325

“Bronze Statue of Genl. Andrew Jackson.” Dedicated to Clark Mills. Lithograph with credits “On stone by B.F. Smith” and “From Dagtpe [sic-i.e. daguerreotype] by Paige.” Copyrighted by Smith & Jenkins in 1853. Printed by F. Michelin. 19 x 11 (image) plus large margins. Excellent condition.

The famous statue of Andrew Jackson reviewing his troops on the evening of the Battle of New Orleans was erected on 7 January 1853 in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, D.C. 8 January 1815 was the date of that battle, and the day after completion was an anniversary. Clark Mills (1810-1883) was a self taught sculptor who was recognized for his accomplishments when working in Charleston, S.C. Passing by an opportunity to study in Italy, he traveled to Richmond and Washington where he produced busts of famous men until he was commissioned to cast the huge equestrian of Jackson. The U.S. Army contributed captured British cannons from the War of 1812 to provide deeper meaning for it. Duplicate statues were soon ordered by the cities of New Orleans and Nashville. This beautiful lithograph was based on a daguerreotype by a photographer of uncertain identity. Blanchard P. Page in New York City in the early 1860s also spelled his name Paige in a city directory, but there was also a Cirus Page in New York in the 1850s and a Charles G. Page in Washington in 1856. $1,850

"Andrew Jackson." Philadelphia: William Smith, ca. 1865-76. Lithograph. 26 x 21 (full sheet). Excellent condition.

This half portrait most resembles the oil on canvas done by George P. A. Healy in 1845, just prior to Jackson's death. The later portraits have been designated as those of the "elder statesman" or the "sage of the Hermitage," but the scrappy old gentleman based on photographs is softened in Healy's work as this one followed that pattern. Like Healy's portrait, this shows his high mane of hair parted down the middle and more controlled. From the end of the Civil War and up to the 1876 Centennial, Andrew Jackson was celebrated as a staunch supporter of the Union, and this print would have had appeal for many Americans. Being from Tennessee and a hero in New Orleans as well as elsewhere, he would have represented a former president who was respected in both North and South. $375

"From a Sketch by an eye witness." [The Attempted Assassination of the President of the United States, Jan. 30, 1835.] New York: George Endicott, 1835. Lithograph. 9 x 12 1/4. Trimmed close to neatline all around. With publisher imprint, but missing title and text. Crease and short tear in bottom, but overall very good condition.

Though Abraham Lincoln was the first President assassinated, Booth's act was not the first attempt at such a deed. On January 30, 1835, President Andrew Jackson attended the funeral of Congressman Warren R. Davis of Mississippi. After the service, Richard Lawrence, an unemployed painter, came out of the crowd and tried to fire a shot at Jackson, but the gun misfired. He then drew a second pistol, which also misfired. Jackson raised his walking stick to defend himself, but Lawrence was overpowered by those around and later was declared insane. This providential escape of the President is mostly forgotten, but it is interesting to speculate how different history would have been had Lawrence been successful. $650

Thomas Jefferson [1801-1809]

A handsome portrait from a rare series of "Portraits of the Presidents." The publisher of this series was C.W. Williams, who used two of the most important figures in early American lithography, Alfred Newsam and P.S. Duval. Alfred Newsam, a deaf mute, began work as a lithographic artist almost two decades before working for Cephas G. Childs, a Philadelphia engraver and print publisher. Newsam was particularly noted for his portraits, including all the earliest images for the McKenney & Hall series of Indian portraits. In 1831, Childs formed a partnership with Henry Inman, at which time he went to Europe to learn more about lithography, which was still in its early stages. Childs came back with P.S. Duval, to help run the Childs & Inman presses. This was perhaps Childs' most significant contribution to American lithography, for Duval was to become one of the foremost lithographers in the country and the world. The quality of the work of both Newsam and Duval is evident in this fine portrait, which is finely drawn, lithographed, and colored. The image is surrounded by an elaborate border, indicating that Williams wanted his series to stand out from the plainer prints issued by his competitors. His strategy does not appear to have been very successful, as the scarcity of these images indicates not that many were sold. $750

Andrew Johnson [1865-1869]

An unusual image of the seventeenth President, Andrew Johnson. This lithograph is signed in the image "P. Kramer." This is likely Peter Kramer, a painter and lithographer from Bavaria, who emigrated to the United States in 1848. He worked for P.S. Duval, a Philadelphia lithographic publisher, until 1857, and returned to Germany in 1858. He was later exiled for caricaturing the King of Bavaria and returned to America until he died in 1907. This is a handsome portrait and a fine example of lithographic printmaking in the middle of the nineteenth century. $275

“Andrew Johnson.” Philadelphia: [Wm. Sartain, 1865]. William Smith, ca. 1880. 18 1/2 x 14. Mezzotint by William Sartain. Wide margins. Strong impression. Very good condition.

A handsome portrait of Andrew Johnson, produced in the mezzotint process by William Sartain. Sartain, along with his father John, was the foremost American practitioner of this elaborate printmaking process for the production of historical prints. His prints always have a strong and rich texture that enhances their aesthetic qualities considerably, and the images are always historically quite accurate. This combination makes prints by William Sartain most desirable, and this example is no exception. $450

Abraham Lincoln [1861-1865]

Go to page of portraits of Abraham Lincoln

James Madison [1809-1817]

A handsome portrait from a rare series of "Portraits of the Presidents." The publisher of this series was C.W. Williams, who used two of the most important figures in early American lithography, Alfred Newsam and P.S. Duval. Alfred Newsam, a deaf mute, began work as a lithographic artist almost two decades before working for Cephas G. Childs, a Philadelphia engraver and print publisher. Newsam was particularly noted for his portraits, including all the earliest images for the McKenney & Hall series of Indian portraits. In 1831, Childs formed a partnership with Henry Inman, at which time he went to Europe to learn more about lithography, which was still in its early stages. Childs came back with P.S. Duval, to help run the Childs & Inman presses. This was perhaps Childs' most significant contribution to American lithography, for Duval was to become one of the foremost lithographers in the country and the world. The quality of the work of both Newsam and Duval is evident in this fine portrait, which is finely drawn, lithographed, and colored. The image is surrounded by an elaborate border, indicating that Williams wanted his series to stand out from the plainer prints issued by his competitors. His strategy does not appear to have been very successful, as the scarcity of these images indicates not that many were sold. $525

William McKinley [1897-1901]

James Monroe [1817-1825]

A handsome portrait from a rare series of "Portraits of the Presidents." The publisher of this series was C.W. Williams, who used two of the most important figures in early American lithography, Alfred Newsam and P.S. Duval. Alfred Newsam, a deaf mute, began work as a lithographic artist almost two decades before working for Cephas G. Childs, a Philadelphia engraver and print publisher. Newsam was particularly noted for his portraits, including all the earliest images for the McKenney & Hall series of Indian portraits. In 1831, Childs formed a partnership with Henry Inman, at which time he went to Europe to learn more about lithography, which was still in its early stages. Childs came back with P.S. Duval, to help run the Childs & Inman presses. This was perhaps Childs' most significant contribution to American lithography, for Duval was to become one of the foremost lithographers in the country and the world. The quality of the work of both Newsam and Duval is evident in this fine portrait, which is finely drawn, lithographed, and colored. The image is surrounded by an elaborate border, indicating that Williams wanted his series to stand out from the plainer prints issued by his competitors. His strategy does not appear to have been very successful, as the scarcity of these images indicates not that many were sold. $525

"James Monroe 5th. President of the United States." Mid-nineteenth century. 12 x 9 3/8. Lithograph. Original hand color. Short, repaired tear in wide margins. Very good condition.

In the style of Currier & Ives' popular portraits, but likely by one of their competitors. $325

Franklin Pierce [1853-1857]

From the Currier Presidents series. $250

James K. Polk [1845-1849]

"James K Polk. Eleventh President of the United States." New York: J. Baillie and New Bedford, MA.: J. Sowle, ca. 1845. Small folio. 12 x 8 3/4. Lithograph. Original hand color. VK On Approval

"James K. Polk. Eleventh President of the United States." N. Currier, 1838-56. Small folio. 11 1/2 x 8 5/8. Lithograph. Original hand color. C:3163. $350

Theodore Roosevelt [1901-1909]

A rare and dramatic print of Roosevelt after he had joined the volunteer corps during the Spanish American War. Much of his reputation as a strong and valiant leader came from his reported exploits in Cuba. Here is a classic image issued during the war by the Chicago firm of Kurz & Allison. $1,200

Zachary Taylor [1849-1850]

John Tyler [1841-1845]

A handsome portrait of John Tyler produced by the mezzotint process by John Sartain (1808-1897). Sartain, known as the “father of mezzotint engraving” in the U.S. popularized this elaborate printmaking process when he emigrated to this country from England in 1830. His prints always have a strong and rich texture that enhances their aesthetic qualities considerably, and the images are always historically accurate. This combination makes prints by Sartain most desirable, and this example is no exception. It is a fine example of American historical portraiture. $450

Martin Van Buren [1837-1841]

The first series of popular prints of the Presidents was published by Pendleton lithography in 1828. This inspired a number of other similar series, including those by Currier & Ives. The earliest series to follow the Pendleton prints was a set done by George Endicott in New York City about 1834. These prints were lithographed by W. Ball, and not only are they are generally higher quality than most other popular Presidential series, but Endicott expanded the original five prints to extend as late as Martin Van Buren, the eighth President. This is a fine example of this rare series. $325

Henry Inman. “Martin Van Buren, President of the United States.” Philadelphia: W.H. Morgan & Son, ca. 1839. Mezzotint by John Sartain. 20 3/8 x 14. Strong impression. Very good condition.

A handsome, full length portrait of Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), eighth president of the United States (1837-41), the first to be born in the United States. This print was produced by John Sartain (1808-1897), known as the “father of mezzotint engraving” in the U.S. popularized this elaborate printmaking process when he emigrated to this country from England in 1830. His prints always have a strong and rich texture that enhances their aesthetic qualities considerably, and the images are always historically accurate. This combination makes prints by Sartain most desirable, and this example is no exception. It is a fine example of American historical portraiture and one of Sartain’s most famous engravings. It is interesting to note that the plate for this print was later used to produce a print of Abraham Lincoln, whose head replaced that of Van Buren! The print was based on an 1839 painting by noted portrait artist Henry Inman. $1,100

Charles Fenderich. "Martin Van Buren, President of the United States." Washington: C. Fenderich, 1839. Ca. 11 1/2 x 11. Lithograph by P.S. Duval. Very good condition.

A beautifully wrought portrait of Martin Van Buren painted in Washington during his Presidency. Charles Fenderich was a Swiss lithographer who had emigrated to Philadelphia in 1831. In Philadelphia, Fenderich issued a number of lithographs jointly with fellow Swiss artist J.C. Wild and also on his own until about 1837, at which time he moved to Washington, D.C. There Fenderich, realizing the opportunities afforded in the nation's capital, began to issue a series of fine lithographic portraits of American statesmen. These fine portraits were primarily based on his own life-drawings, for as his reputation spread, most of the political figures in Washington were delighted to sit for him. In all Fenderich made about 84 portraits in Washington between 1837 and 1848, after which he joined the California Gold Rush, to finish his days at an artist on the west coast. Fenderich's portraits are not only beautifully made, but they provide us with excellent life-portraits of most of the important American statesmen of the third and fourth decades of the nineteenth century. $750

“Martin Van Buren.” Hartford: D.W. Kellogg. Vignette, ca. 9 x 9. Lithograph. Original hand color. Repaired tear in bottom right, well away from image. Otherwise very good condition.

An lithograph of Martin Van Buren, by the D.W. Kellogg firm of Hartford. This print is typical of the type of Presidential portraits which would have hung in many middle-class American homes during the middle of the nineteenth century. $175

George Washington [1789-1797]

Go to page of portraits of George Washington

Go to page with series and group portraits of Presidents

Place Order

For further information, Contact:

8441 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118 USA
(215) 242-4750 [Phone]
(215) 242-6977 [Fax]
PhilaPrint@PhilaPrintShop.com

©The Philadelphia Print Shop, Ltd. Last updated July 23, 2008