Quotes of the Day

The unveiling of Bill and Hillary Clinton's White House portraits last week was the picture of political civility. "My father and I have decided to call each other by numbers," said President George W. Bush. "He's 41. I'm 43. It is a great pleasure to honor No. 42." The first White House portrait by a black artist (Simmie Knox), the largest of the modern paintings (at 65 5/8 in. by 53 7/8 in.) and the only picture to include a flag, Clinton's Portrait nudges George H.W. Bush's from the premier spot in the Foyer. Each likeness in the gallery has its lore. A docent's tour:

Theodore Roosevelt
Despite T.R.'s macho image, here he looks "scared to death and not sure it's going to come out all right," says Clinton, who felt reassured by the portrait during tough times.

Dwight D. Eisenhower
Showing compassion and command, Ike's portrait is considered one of the best. But some veterans wish the World War II hero had posed in his signature Eisenhower jacket.

John F. Kennedy
The only recent painting done posthumously, this somber J.F.K., from a photo chosen by Jackie, speaks more to his assassination than to his vigor.

Richard Nixon
He didn't like his first painting and, breaking with tradition, ordered up this second try himself (usually done by the family). It hangs nearly out of sight, high on a stair wall.

Ronald Reagan
Ironically, it's the mouth that still seems off in this third attempt at capturing the Great Communicator. The Reagan family has not made plans to commission another portrait.

• Hugh Sidey