Primary sourcePainting1841

Portrait of William Henry Harrison

Bass Otis · 1841

An 1841 oval portrait of William Henry Harrison, painted the year he became president.

A direct portrait of Harrison painted in 1841, the year of his presidency and death.

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Oval painted portrait of an older man with short gray hair, wearing a black cloak or coat, white shirt collar, and dark bow tie, against a dark brown background. He looks toward the viewer with a calm, serious expression. — Bass Otis, Portrait of William Henry Harrison, 1841.

About this source

What it is

This oval portrait of William Henry Harrison was painted by Bass Otis in 1841. It shows Harrison as an older man with short gray hair, wearing a dark coat and bow tie, looking directly at the viewer with a calm expression.

Why it matters

Painted in the same year Harrison took office as president and then died after only a month in power, this portrait captures him near the very end of his life and political career. It is a rare direct image of him from his presidential year.

Look closer

What does Harrison's expression and posture suggest about how the artist wanted him to be seen?
Why might a portrait made in 1841 be especially historically significant for this president?
What is left out of a formal portrait like this that a photograph or letter might reveal instead?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of William Henry Harrison on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Harrison at cabin on North Bend of Ohio

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William Henry Harrison

Rembrandt Peale · 1813

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