Portrait of John F. Kennedy
Artifact IDMO 81.43
Object Type
Painting
Date
1966-1967
Artist
Jamie Wyeth
(American, b. 1946)
Medium
Watercolor
DimensionsOverall H 17 3/4 in x W 19 3/4 in (45.1 cm x 50.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionWatercolor sketch of President John F. Kennedy seated with his hand raised to chin and his elbow resting on proper right chair arm. He is wearing a navy blue suit and is seated in a green chair. The painting has a mottled brown background. Matted, in gilt wood frame.
Historical NoteThis watercolor is one of the many preparatory studies created by American artist Jamie Wyeth for his portrait of the late John F. Kennedy. No official White House portrait of Kennedy had been painted at the time of his death and Wyeth, only 20 at the time, was one of the artists whom Jacqueline Kennedy approached about the commission. While he turned down the opportunity, Wyeth did create an unofficial portrait based on extensive study of images and film footage of Kennedy, as well as the features and mannerisms of the surviving Kennedy brothers.
In 1976 Wyeth gave the watercolor study to President Jimmy Carter, who hung it in his home in Plains, Georgia and in the family residence in the White House. President Carter in turn presented the painting to Senator Edward M. Kennedy at the Democratic Unity Dinner on October 19, 1980 as a gift to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Additional DetailsIn 1976 Wyeth gave the watercolor study to President Jimmy Carter, who hung it in his home in Plains, Georgia and in the family residence in the White House. President Carter in turn presented the painting to Senator Edward M. Kennedy at the Democratic Unity Dinner on October 19, 1980 as a gift to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Custodial History NotePainting was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum by President James E. Carter in 1981.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of President and Mrs. James Carter
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
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.Not on view
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