Mural for White House Swimming Pool
Artifact IDMO 79.241a
Object Type
Painting
Date
1962
Artist
Bernard Lamotte
(American, b. France, 1903-1983)
Place displayedWashington, D.C., United States, North America
Medium
Oil on canvas
DimensionsOverall H 9 1/2 ft x W 40 ft (289.5 cm x 1219.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionOne of five sections of a 97' long panoramic mural commissioned to decorate the White House swimming pool room. Maritime scene shows the port of Christiansend, St. Croix, in the Virgin Islands. Building with striped awning and dock with people at far left, body of land at far right, boats moored in foreground, numerous sailboats on the water. Joseph P. Kennedy's boat, the "Marlin", is represented at the right. Semaphores on other boats spell out names of Kennedy family members. Signed by the artist at lower left.
Historical NoteThe mural, commissioned to decorate the White House swimming pool room, is a 97 foot long panorama of the port of Christiansend, St. Croix, in the Virgin Islands. The artist, Bernard Lamotte, selected the subject based on President Kennedy's affinity for boats and the water, and is a testament to the Kennedy family. Joseph P. Kennedy's boat, the "Marlin", is represented, as well as the names of Kennedy family members in the semaphore of other boats in the harbor.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt originally had the pool installed at the White House for his physical therapy. President Kennedy used it for his own back problems. To make the dreary basement more cheerful for his son, Joe Kennedy asked Lamotte to "brighten it up a bit" with a mural.
After President Nixon turned the White House pool room into the press room, the mural was removed and placed in storage until the opening of the JFK Library in 1979. Bernard Lamotte was commissioned to re-install a portion of the mural on in the library, which involved retouching his work.
Additional DetailsPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt originally had the pool installed at the White House for his physical therapy. President Kennedy used it for his own back problems. To make the dreary basement more cheerful for his son, Joe Kennedy asked Lamotte to "brighten it up a bit" with a mural.
After President Nixon turned the White House pool room into the press room, the mural was removed and placed in storage until the opening of the JFK Library in 1979. Bernard Lamotte was commissioned to re-install a portion of the mural on in the library, which involved retouching his work.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House, the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy.
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
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