Sculpture of John F. Kennedy as Mr. America
Artifact IDMO 74.555
Object Type
Sculpture
Date
after November 1963
Medium
Wood
DimensionsOverall H 12 in (30.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionCarved wood sculpture of John F. Kennedy in body builder pose standing on a hemisphere. Figure is bare to the waist, with hands on hips. Octagonal base is inscribed:" Pull in That Gut America."
Historical NoteThe artist's inspiration for this sculpture was a physical fitness public service ad printed in Esquire magazine that portrayed President Kennedy as Mr. America. During his presidency, Kennedy enthusiastically supported efforts to promote a national physical fitness program which included extensive advertising campaigns to reframe public attitudes toward exercise, as well as the development of a fitness curriculum for school children. The Esquire ad portrayed participation in the President's Program for Physical Fitness as an aid in the fight against the spread of Communism, using rhetoric like "What good is a weak grip against a red fist?...A bulging bicep means a muscle in the arm of democracy!"
Stephan Swaitek of Orchard Lake, Michigan started the carving before the President's death and was encouraged by his wife and friends to send the figure to Jacqueline Kennedy once it was finished. In his letter to Mrs. Kennedy, Swiatek wrote "Am sure that with the President's sense of humor he wouldn't have been offended."
Additional DetailsStephan Swaitek of Orchard Lake, Michigan started the carving before the President's death and was encouraged by his wife and friends to send the figure to Jacqueline Kennedy once it was finished. In his letter to Mrs. Kennedy, Swiatek wrote "Am sure that with the President's sense of humor he wouldn't have been offended."
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by a private citizen between 1966 and present.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Stephan Swiatek
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1677327)
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 the user’s responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.Subjects
In Collection(s)
Not on view