Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978)

“Portrait of John F. Kennedy,” 1960, cover illustration for “The Saturday Evening Post,” November 5, 1960. Limited edition lithograph on Arches paper, signed in the plate lower right, numbered 159½500 in pencil lower left, from the edition of 2500 unsigned by the artist, situated in a navy blue portfolio with the Seal of the President of the United States and JFK's signature in gold insignia, overall portfolio size 20 ½" x 15 ¾". Published in 1976 by American Heritage Graphics with accompanying certificate of authenticity.

Norman Rockwell captured the likenesses of many national figures during his career, and in 1960, he was commissioned by The Saturday Evening Post to paint portraits of Presidential candidates Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard M. Nixon. Kennedy would appear on the October 29th cover and Nixon on the November 5th. To prepare for the painting of Kennedy, Rockwell arranged to pose and photograph Kennedy at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. When Rockwell arrived, Kennedy, in his pajamas, leaned out of an upstairs window and told Rockwell to go right in, and that he’d be down in a minute. While Kennedy ate his breakfast, Rockwell chose a room for the session. Rockwell suggested it would be best to use a dignified pose that didn’t emphasize Kennedy’s youth (he was just forty-three); Kennedy agreed. After photos were taken, the two men walked to the breakwater to see Kennedy’s sailboat. Now more relaxed, and feeling he had been a little stiff during the photo session, Kennedy suggested they return to the house for a second shoot. Rockwell was pleased with the result: “His expression was just what I wanted—serious with a certain dignity, but relaxed and pleasant, not hard.” The portrait was published on the October 29, 1960 cover of The Saturday Evening Post, and again, bordered with a black band of mourning for the slain President, on December 14, 1963.

Condition: Good. Minor abrasion to lithograph lower right corner in image, time toning to margins of lithograph, adhesive staining to verso of lithograph, minor scuffs and soiling to portfolio.