Imagining James Hoban | Portraits of a Master builder

The only known image of James Hoban created from life is a wax bas-relief attributed to artist John Christian Rauschner. Discovered among Hoban family heirlooms in 1957, the miniature portrait became the inspiration for many future illustrations of Hoban. Even before the first publication of his likeness, his fame as the architect and builder of the White House was an enduring part of American history.

In the 1930s, N.C. Wyeth painted James Hoban and President George Washington; District of Columbia architects revived Hoban’s legacy with graveside tributes; and a Georgian Revival subdivision in northwest Washington named its main street in his honor. During World War II the U.S. Maritime Commission launched a 10,500-ton troop ship named the James Hoban. In 1981, the United States and Ireland jointly issued Hoban stamps to mark the 150th anniversary of the architect’s death. In 1992, the U.S. Mint struck a commemorative dollar to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the White House. The reverse side of the silver coin included a portrait bust of Hoban set against the north entrance door.