Skip to main content
Collections Menu
"The Needle's Eye" Cartoon
MO 2024.1.38.74, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
"The Needle's Eye" Cartoon
MO 2024.1.38.74, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

"The Needle's Eye" Cartoon

Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.74
Object Type Editorial Cartoon
Date 1962
Artist (Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher (American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. John F. Kennedy struggles to pull a tired camel labeled "Civil Rights" and "Tax Cuts" through a mouse hole labeled "politics" in a cement block wall. Caption reads "The Needle's Eye".
Historical NoteThis political cartoon references the biblical quote "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God". Ferman Martin uses metaphor to illustrate how President Kennedy struggled under political pressure to deal with the issues of civil rights and tax cut legislation.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem 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 - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle Use of this image is restricted. 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 notinfringe 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
Related Links