Walk through the White House today and you’ll see them. Dozens of faces, some stern, some soft, all staring back from heavy gold frames. But there’s one that stops people a little longer than the others. The official portrait of Jimmy Carter is weirdly human. Most presidential paintings feel like they’re trying to sell you a statue. This one? It feels like it’s looking right at you.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. Carter’s image—the one painted by Herbert Abrams—didn’t arrive at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue until 1982. By then, the Georgia peanut farmer had already headed back to Plains. He was a former president. The painting had to capture a man who was, in many ways, defined by his post-presidency as much as his time in the Oval Office.
The Artist Who Almost Wasn't
Herbert Abrams was an interesting choice. He wasn’t some high-society darling who only painted the elite. For years, the guy was basically selling his work on a bench in Greenwich Village for 35 bucks a pop. Imagine that. One day you’re hawking sketches in a park, and the next, you’re the guy chosen to immortalize the most powerful man on Earth.
It was actually Clement Conger, the legendary White House curator, who tapped Abrams. Conger was picky. Like, famously picky. But he saw something in Abrams’ "traditional realism" that just worked. Abrams eventually became the only artist to have official portraits of both a Democrat and a Republican—Carter and George H.W. Bush—hanging in the White House at the same time.
👉 See also: Jeff Pike Bandidos MC: What Really Happened to the Texas Biker Boss
Secrets Behind the Canvas
When the portrait of Jimmy Carter finally showed up at the White House on November 29, 1982, it didn't just walk through the front door. Security was tight. This was the early 80s, and people were paranoid. Secret Service agents actually checked the painting for explosives and hidden microphones before they let it into the building.
- Materials: Oil on canvas
- Completion Date: 1982
- Dimensions: Approximately 40 by 30 inches
- The Pose: Traditional, yet the eyes are unusually sharp
The painting itself is photorealistic. Abrams was obsessed with light. He wanted the viewer to focus on the eyes. If you look closely, Carter’s eyes in the portrait have this piercing, almost restless quality. It’s not a "relaxing" painting. It reflects a man who was deeply serious about the complexities of the world.
Why the National Portrait Gallery Version is Different
Most people don't realize there isn't just one portrait of Jimmy Carter. While the Abrams painting is the "official" White House one, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has its own version.
✨ Don't miss: January 6th Explained: Why This Date Still Defines American Politics
That one was painted by Robert Clark Templeton in 1980. It’s a full-length depiction. Carter is standing in the Oval Office, and honestly, it’s a bit more formal. It lacks the "up close and personal" vibe of the Abrams work. Templeton’s version captures the presidency in action, whereas the White House version captures the soul of the man after the dust had settled.
There’s even a Warhol. Yeah, Andy Warhol. Back in 1976, Warhol went down to Plains, Georgia. He took a bunch of polaroids of Carter. The result was a series of screen prints that used the candidate’s famous toothy smile as a brand. Carter actually liked Warhol’s work, which is kind of wild if you think about the contrast between a Sunday School teacher from Georgia and the king of New York pop art.
The Frugality Factor
There’s a persistent story that Carter wanted to use a photograph as his official portrait to save money. He was, after all, the "frugal" president who wore cardigans to save on heating bills.
🔗 Read more: Is there a bank holiday today? Why your local branch might be closed on January 12
While it's true he and Rosalynn had official photographic portraits taken by Ansel Adams in 1979, those weren't meant to replace the tradition of oil paintings. They were more about symbolizing a "new era" of transparency and modernism. But the tradition of the painted portrait of Jimmy Carter won out. People wanted the oil on canvas. There’s a weight to it that a photo just can’t replicate.
Viewing the Portrait Today
If you want to see these pieces in person, you've basically got three main spots:
- The White House: This is the Abrams portrait. It’s on the State Floor. You’ll need a tour to see it, and those are hard to get, but it’s the "big one."
- National Portrait Gallery (D.C.): The Templeton painting. It’s part of the "America's Presidents" exhibit. Recently, following his death at age 100, they added a black mourning drape to it—a standard tradition for honoring former leaders.
- The Carter Library (Atlanta): They have a version of the Abrams painting and a massive collection of "fan art" portraits.
Actionable Next Steps for Enthusiasts
To truly appreciate the artistry and history of these works, don't just look at a JPEG. If you're in D.C., the National Portrait Gallery is free and arguably one of the best museums in the world for political junkies.
Check out the "100 Portraits for 100 Years" digital archives through the National Archives. It shows how regular people—not just famous artists—saw Carter. From velvet paintings to wire sculptures, the sheer volume of art he inspired tells a story of a president who felt accessible to the average person. Look for the symbolism in the backgrounds of these paintings; they often hide details about his naval career or his passion for human rights that aren't obvious at first glance.