Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Bust of John F. Kennedy
Bust of John F. Kennedy

Bust of John F. Kennedy

Artifact IDMO 69.26
Object Type Bust
Date 1964
Artist (Sculptor, Austrian, 1907-2003)
Medium Bronze, Italian marble
DimensionsOverall H 16 in x W 12 in x D 12 in (40.6 cm x 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionBronze bust of President Kennedy on marble pedestal. The silver inscription plaque on the front of the pedestal bears an excerpt from President Kennedy's Inaugural speech, "Now the trumpet summons us again- not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need…", above this is an engraved image of Jacqueline Kennedy's Christmas angel, and below is an engraved Presidential Seal.
Historical NoteThis bust was unveiled and displayed in the White House cabinet room from November 19, 1964 to January 1969. Jacqueline Kennedy made a number of visits to Mr. de Weldon's studio while he sculpted this bust. It is said that she found the bust's expression too serious, removed her gloves, and with her thumbs pressed the President's mouth into its current expression.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe bust was commissioned by President Kennedy's Military Aids as a gift to Mrs. Kennedy. It was donatated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1969.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Military Aides to President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Collection (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view