Skip to main content
The Guest Canvas
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Guest Canvas
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

The Guest Canvas

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.03262012-2-1.14
Object Type Painting
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium canvas, wood, paint (acrylic), sand, metal
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 54 5/8 in x W 43 1/2 in x D 11 in (138.7 cm x 110.5 cm x 27.9 cm )

Physical DescriptionDouble sided sand and acrylic painting in a freestanding frame. One side depicts portraits of three of the 2008 candidates for president. President Barack Obama is pictured in the upper left and lower right. Hillary Clinton is depicted in the upper right and John McCain is in the lower left. Important dates in each candidates campaign are noted to the right of their portraits. The portraits are bordered with red, white, and blue stripes. The opposite side depicts a large blank center space with a single star in the middle. It is bordered by red, white, and blue stripes. The blue stripes have white stars painted in them. Across the top in the white stripe is written, "Barack Obama." In the red stripe below that is the word, "Presidential." The bottom red stripe reads, "Inauguration" in white paint and the date "January 20, 2009" below that in the white stripe. At the corners of the painting are white and black square designs depicting abstract faces.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links