Kempton doing one of her own pieces, not a commission. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Jasinski)
Issue 39, Winter 2022

Women and Art The woman presidential portrait painter who was more than the sum of her poses.

Essays

The Authentic Imposter

The first woman to paint the official portrait of a U.S. president, Greta Kempton also painted Cabinet officials, governors, senators, the head of the Atomic Energy Commission, two Postmasters General, a Supreme Court justice, several university presidents, and a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. But what would have happened if she had painted a self-portrait?

Jeannette Cooperman