Bush Returns to White House for Unveiling of Official Portrait

WASHINGTON — When Lyndon B. Johnson saw his White House portrait, he snapped, “That’s the ugliest thing I ever saw.” When Nancy Reagan saw Ronald Reagan’s portrait, she ordered it redone.

On Monday, the most recent former President, George Bush, returned to the White House for the unveiling of his official portrait. And his appraisal was exactly what every artist wants to hear.

“I’m inclined to think it’s pretty darn good,” Bush said, smiling.

He and his wife, Barbara, were welcomed with thunderous applause from members of his Cabinet, his White House staff and former Vice President Dan Quayle and his wife, Marilyn, all gathered in the East Room. Gen. Colin L. Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Bush, was there too.

“I think the artist did a wonderful job and we’re all in his debt,” President Clinton said. “But I also want to say, President Bush, if I look half as good as you do when I leave office, I’ll be a happy man.”

A portrait of Mrs. Bush also was unveiled, depicting her sitting in front of a bookcase, symbolic of her campaign to promote literacy. The Bushes’ paintings were done by Herbert E. Abrams, who also did the White House portrait of Jimmy Carter.