Art: Hayes en Chemise

The late Rutherford Birchard Hayes, 19th President of the U. S. (1877-81) at his White House desk, working in his shirtsleeves, is lost. He has been lost ever since the late Painter Thomas Eakins of Philadelphia painted him thus, in 1877. Because Eakins’ work is increasing in reputation and the lost Hayes canvas is valued at some $75,000, a five-year search by the Babcock Galleries (Manhattan) was invigorated last week by fresh publicity. For the finder there will be “a large reward.”

In 1877, with Hayes just inaugurated, the Philadelphia Union League Club decided it should have a portrait of the new President to hang on the walls of its new clubhouse. Eakins, a Philadelphian who had won prizes at the Centennial Exposition, was commissioned. Like most new Presidents, Mr. Hayes felt he had no time to give for sittings. Artist Eakins humbly suggested that the Chief Executive might allow him to set up his easel in the President’s office and make a picture while the President worked. Mr. Hayes, an excellent if unimaginative man, was agreeable; he stripped off his coat (it was a typical Washington summer) and went on working.

Thomas Eakins saw nothing strange in this; he himself often worked in his undershirt and a pair of overalls. (When the busy Chief Executive had to leave his office, Artist Eakins occupied himself with painting in a careful view of 19th Century Washington from the window.) Artist and President continued their-respective labors, and in due time the completed portrait was presented to the Union League Club.

The Union League Club, composed of Philadelphia’s most elegant gentlemen, raised its eyebrows sharply. The artist was punctiliously paid $400, but Mr. Hayes en chemise was rejected. He has never reappeared.