John F. Kennedy
1970
This official White House portrait of President John F. Kennedy was painted by Aaron Shikler in 1970 and commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The composition depicts Kennedy in a contemplative pose with arms folded and head bowed, conveying a sense of solemnity and introspection that distinguished it from traditional presidential portraits. The work hangs prominently in the White House and is one of the most recognized and reproduced images of the 35th President. It represents a significant piece of American political and cultural history and is a cornerstone of the White House permanent collection.
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Spotted At
- Museum · The White House
Notes
The portrait was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and unveiled in 1971. It is displayed in the White House and is widely considered the definitive portrait of President Kennedy. The gilded ornate frame and the painting's placement above a green marble topped console table with a gold ormolu decorative vessel are visible in the photograph. A candelabra floor lamp is visible to the right.
Spotted works by Aaron Shikler
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