Artist: Aaron Shikler (American, b. 1922)
Date Made: 1968
Medium: Oil on panel
Dimensions: Framed: 15 x 11 inches
This painting was a study for the official White House portrait of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. For the White House portrait, Mrs. Kennedy chose to have herself depicted in a long black skirt and white blouse. The First Lady is standing in front of a mantle decorated with a bouquet of white flowers and a bust. Upon completion, Shikler decide that he was not satisfied with the final version. He felt the pose was too girlish and coy and it failed to convey Jacqueline Kennedy's reserve and strength.
Gift of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum