Born Guilford County, North Carolina First Lady 1809–1817
Raised by a Quaker family in Philadelphia, Dolley Payne Todd Madison was naturally vivacious and outgoing, and she cultivated strategic friendships with both male politicians and their wives. Prior to her husband James Madison’s presidency, she served as an honorary hostess for President Thomas Jefferson, which prepared her for taking on the role when her husband entered the office. Madison’s charisma and intelligence charmed the most hard-hearted politicians, making the lively Wednesday-night receptions she held at the White House the epicenter of Washington society.
William Elwell, who painted this portrait of Madison toward the end of her life, described her as “a very Estimable lady—kind & obliging—one of the Old School.” He paid close attention to Madison’s slightly cloudy blue eyes and her rouged cheeks. The black curls (hairpieces) that peek out from her signature turban hint at her interest in maintaining a hard-won and long-cultivated public persona.
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution