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9 images from See the best US First Couple portraits at White House, as Obamas return to unveil theirs!
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As Obamas unveil their official White House portraits, take a look at some other famous first couples whose official portraits are displayed in various rooms of the White House.
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Aaron Shikler painted the 50 x 34-inch official portrait of President John F. Kennedy hung in the East Room of the White House since 1971. She is also responsible for capturing First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s portrait.
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President Richard Nixon’s portrait was painted by artist James Anthony Wills in 1984 and hangs in the Grand Staircase in the East Room of the White House. Artist Henriette Wyeth, who learned to paint left-handed after polio immobilized her right hand, crafted the official portrait of First Lady Patricia Nixon in 1978.
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Accomplished artist Everett Raymond Kinstler completed the 50⅛ x 40⅛-inch portrait of President Ronald Reagen in 1991. Artist Aaron Shikler who painted the portrait of First Lady Nancy Reagan also crafted portraits of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
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Renowned American painter Herbert Abrams crafted President Jimmy Carter’s portrait in 1982. First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s official portrait was created by Boston-based artist George Augusta in 1984.
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After the remarkable creation of Jimmy Carter's portrait by Herbert Abrams, President George H.W. Bush hired the artist for his own. Artist Chas Fagan crafted the portrait of First Lady Barbara Bush in 2004.
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Simmie Knox’s 2002 portrait of President Clinton was the first presidential creation by an African-American artist. Knox also painted Hillary Clinton’s official portrait.
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President George W. Bush’s official portrait was completed by accomplished painter John Howard Sanden in 2011. Sanden also painted First Lady Laura Bush’s official portrait, which shows her standing in the White House’s Green Room.
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“I want to thank Sharon Sprung for capturing everything I love about Michelle: her grace, her intelligence, and the fact that she’s fine... And I want to thank Robert McCurdy for taking on a much more difficult subject,” said Former President Barack Obama praising the two artists.
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