WASHINGTON, DC — The official portrait of President John F. Kennedy hanging in the White House. Painted by artist Aaron Shikler, this posthumous representation of the 35th President is notable for its contemplative pose, with Kennedy's arms crossed and his head bowed. The portrait, commissioned after JFK's assassination, has become an iconic image of the president and a poignant reminder of his truncated term in office.
Photograph by David Coleman. The official White House portrait of John F. Kennedy, painted by Aaron Shikler in 1970, is a striking departure from traditional presidential portraits. Unlike most official portraits that depict presidents looking directly at the viewer, Kennedy is shown in a reflective pose, with his arms folded and his gaze downward. The portrait's background is simple, focusing attention on Kennedy's figure and facial expression. The painting captures a sense of thoughtfulness and perhaps melancholy, which many interpret as a reference to the president's untimely death. Shikler based the pose on photographs of Kennedy's brother, Robert, grieving at JFK's funeral, as he had never had the opportunity to paint the president from life. This portrait hangs in the White House, likely in a prominent location such as the East Room or a corridor frequented by visitors on public tours. Its presence serves as a constant reminder of Kennedy's lasting impact on American politics and culture, despite his brief tenure as president. The painting's style and emotional resonance have made it one of the most recognizable and discussed presidential portraits. It encapsulates not just Kennedy's image, but also the nation's collective memory of his presidency and its tragic end. As part of the White House's permanent collection, this portrait plays a significant role in preserving and presenting American presidential history to visitors and dignitaries from around the world.
Size: 3264px × 4928px
Location: National Mall, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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