Melania Trump Now Has a White House Portrait: So What’s on Your Wall?

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Melania Trump might not be seen hanging around the White House much, but if there’s one event she made sure not to miss, it’s posing for her first official White House portrait. A quick look through the White House archives indicates that all first ladies get at least one official portrait (as do presidents—pick that long tie carefully, Donald Trump!), and Melania, a former model who’s no stranger to cozying up to the camera, did not disappoint.

The photographer, Regine Mahaux, has shot Melania before, so it makes sense that she’d turn to him again for this pivotal pic.

Reactions to the portrait have run the gamut. Some say it’s too airbrushed; others contend that it mimics Nancy Reagan‘s portrait with the same background and similar bow around her neck. Most marvel at the size of the rock on her finger.

Others are trying to guess where in the People’s Home the photo will reside. The Oval Office, perhaps?

Regardless of its final destination and whether you love it or hate it, we got to wondering: What does Melania’s White House portrait say about the kind of family pictures we hang in our very own homes?

Portraits: A forgotten art?

In this digital age, it seems almost like an old-fashioned notion to display a “portrait.” Still, plenty of people still hang pictures of themselves, their kids, or the whole family.

“People are still hanging portraits on their wall as much as ever,” says Jade Riviere, a professional photographer for TripShooter.com. “It’s just that the style of portraiture has changed.”

Does Melania’s portrait mirror the types of pics regular folks are choosing to put up in their own homes?

Well, no. If anything, Riviere thinks this photo stands in stark contrast to prevailing home trends. Melania’s portrait is a highly orchestrated studio shot, whereas the most popular current approaches trend toward candid and casual.

“A ‘trend for perfection’ is reflected in Melania’s portrait,” says Riviere. “Most people like their portrait to show their best selves, but what this means to an individual changes from person to person. For some it means removing imperfections, and for others, celebrating them.”

Adds Riviere, “Our clients nowadays often prefer fresh, dynamic photos that show them participating in life, rather than studio-style photography. It’s a response to the accessibility of digital images and their ease of creation, and people’s thirst for photos that show reality.”

Another current trend Melania’s photo bucks, most likely for reasons beyond her control (the White House has its traditions, after all), is that she’s photographed alone. Given how close Melania is to her 11-year-old son, Barron, one can’t help but wish he were there by her side in one of his little suits.

“In most homes, the idea of displaying a portrait of just one adult would seem strange to me,” says Laura Eckert at New Creation Photography. “I can’t imagine hanging a portrait of just myself in my home, even among a grouping of portraits with my family.”

While we understand why the White House might not want to loosen its portraiture standards too much, we can see how the official picture might further fuel the first lady’s enigmatic Mona Lisa reputation, rather than quell it.

“This portrait is certainly not warm and inviting,” observes Eckert. “I’m a little confused by her expression. Is she irritated? Is she wondering why the photographer is taking so long? Is that just her serious look and she is all business?”

The world may never know.

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