Portrait of President John F. Kennedy
Artifact IDMO 63.2141.1
Object Type
Painting
Date
December 1962
Artist
Elaine de Kooning
(Painter, American, 1918-1989)
Place MadePalm Beach, Florida, United States, North America
Medium
Oil on canvas
DimensionsOverall H 61 in x W 49 in (154.9 cm x 124.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionPortrait of President Kennedy sitting in a rocking chair holding a book in his lap. Rendered in shades of green, yellow and gray, broadly applied in expressive strokes.
Historical NoteThe artist, Elaine De Koonig, was commissioned by the Graham Galleries in New York city on behalf of theTruman Presidential Library. Harry Truman had expressed interest to Robert Graham, of the Graham Galleries, in having a portrait of the new President, John F. Kennedy, for the Truman Presidential Library. Mr. Graham made the arrangements with the White House for artist Elaine de Kooning to paint the portrait. The President sat informally for the artist in Palm Beach, December 1962, during intervals of work and relaxation. The painting's casual quality and expressive handling reflected the freedom of the "New Frontier."
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis painting was a gift to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum from the Truman Presidential Library. It was commissioned by the Truman Library in 1962 because President Truman wanted a portrait of the incumbent President to hang in his Presidential Library. Elaine de Kooning donated the painting to the Harry S. Truman Library on February 12, 1965 when the painting was completed after John F. Kennedy's death.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Museum Purchase: William Van de Heuvel, James V. Lavin
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 - FullyUse Restriction NoteUse of this image is prohibited without permission. Copyright held by the Cambridge Artist League, 385 Madison Ave. NY, NY
Copyright 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
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