Primary sourcePainting1840

William Henry Harrison

Albert Gallatin Hoit · 1840

An 1840 life portrait of William Henry Harrison painted shortly before his presidential election, showing him as an elderly candidate.

This life portrait shows Harrison as the elderly presidential candidate shortly before his election in 1840.

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Oil portrait of an older man with short graying hair, wearing a black coat, white shirt, and dark bow tie, seated against a dark brown background with a red chair edge at the right. — Albert Gallatin Hoit, William Henry Harrison, 1840. National Portrait Gallery.

About this source

What it is

This oil portrait of William Henry Harrison was painted by Albert Gallatin Hoit in 1840, not long before Harrison was elected president. It is held by the National Portrait Gallery.

Why it matters

Painted from life during the 1840 campaign, this is considered the best-known image of Harrison as an older candidate. It helps students see how Harrison presented himself publicly at the height of his political career.

Look closer

What does Harrison's expression and posture suggest about how he wanted to be seen?
Why might a painting made during a campaign look different from one made earlier in life?
What is left out of a formal portrait like this?

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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Painting

Primary source

William Henry Harrison

Rembrandt Peale · 1813

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