The Whites of Their Eyes
Artifact IDMO 63.4856
Object Type
Painting
Date
20th century
Date Presented9/25/62
Gifter
Army and Air National Guard
Artist
Kenneth Riley
(American, 1919-2015)
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensionsframed H 30 3/4 in x W 38 1/2 in (78.1 cm x 97.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionOil painting portraying the Battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775. Foreground shows the imperfectly trained but determined militia regiments awaiting the onslaught of the disciplined red-coated ranks of British infantry. The background to the action is the redoubt on Breed's Hill, with smoke from the burning of Charlestown rising into the sky. This painting is the first in a series perpetuating the National Guard Heritage. The subject was chosen for the President because the Massachusetts National Guard is the oldest component of the Army, formed in 1636. This particular battle was the first engagement in which the American militia stood up in open field to trained infantry of Europe. It was also in 1775 that the first American field Army was constituted, when General Washington assumed command of the New England militia and engaged in the siege of Boston from Cambridge.
Historical NoteThis painting was presented to President Kennedy by Major General D.W. McGowan, Chief, National Guard Bureau, The Pentagon, on September 25, 1962. It hung in the "Fish Room" of the White House.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be 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