Mark Schuler (American, B. 1951) "White House" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for The Presidents of the United States of America Collection. Each Cover was postmarked at the birthplace of each President and on the anniversary of his birth. Both today and in years gone by, the home of the Presidents, the White House has been a proud symbol of America's democracy. The White House was built according to the plans of Irish architect James Hoban, who won a five hundred dollar prize for his design. The first President to live in the White House was John Adams. After only four months of shivering in their chilly "castle," the Adamses were free to leave Washington when Thomas Jefferson won the Presidency. The first President to spend an entire term in the White House, Jefferson devoted his efforts to improving the mansion and furnishing it in style. Following Jefferson's two terms, the Madisons moved into the White House and the famous hostess Dolley Madison began her efforts to redecorate the White House. Sadly, much of her work was lost when the British burned the White House. However, the quick-thinking Mrs. Madison managed to save many Cabinet papers, the White House silver and a painting of General George Washington. White House architect James Hoban supervised the restoration of the White House. President James Monroe added greatly to the mansion's decor by selling to the government valuable Louis XVI furniture he had acquired while serving as a diplomat in Paris, France. In ensuing years, each American President and his family have left something of themselves in the White House, but the Monroe furnishings form the heart of the historic collection of the Executive Mansion. Image Size: 15 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 20 x 18 in. Unframed. (B10000)