In 1903, Roosevelt had a very grand piano commissioned from Steinway & Sons for the
East Room. Steinway commissioned noted Aesthetic artist
Thomas Dewing to paint the inside of the gilded case in a patriotic theme which he entitled
America receiving the 9 muses.
In the painted scene, women in colonial revival gowns representing art, music, poetry and learning pay homage to America, the new steward of western culture, as represented by the seated woman. The piano now resides at the
National Portrait Gallery, but I think it should be brought back to the White House, don't you?
In 1903, Roosevelt had a very grand piano commissioned from Steinway & Sons for the East Room. Steinway commissioned noted Aesthetic artist Thomas Dewing to paint the inside of the gilded case in a patriotic theme which he entitled America receiving the 9 muses.
In the painted scene, women in colonial revival gowns representing art, music, poetry and learning pay homage to America, the new steward of western culture, as represented by the seated woman. The piano now resides at the National Portrait Gallery, but I think it should be brought back to the White House, don't you?