Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama attended a ceremony Wednesday hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House to unveil the official portraits that will hang in the president's official residence.

Barack Obama's portrait was painted by Robert McCurdy and Michelle Obama's portrait was painted by Sharon Sprung. McCurdy said that his painting was inspired by a photograph while Sprung described her painting as "contemporary realism."

"President Biden and Dr. Biden are honored to have former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama back to the White House for the unveiling of their portraits, which will hang on the walls of the White House forever as reminders of the power of hope and change," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The ceremony accounts for the first time the Obamas have been back to the White House together since they left in 2017. A portrait ceremony has not been held since the Obamas held one for George W. Bush and Laura Bush in 2012.

Portraits of the former presidents and the first lady have been a historic tradition since 1965.

Former President Donald Trump did not hold an event for the Obamas. There has been no indication as to whether President Biden would hold a ceremony for Trump.

Barack Obama told President Biden during the ceremony: "The country is better off than when you first took office and we should all be deeply grateful for that."