Skip to main content
Collections Menu
The Nativity
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
The Nativity
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
Copyright and other proprietary rights in material on this site may be held by individuals or entities other than or in addition to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Library does not warrant that the use of materials displayed on this site will not infringe on the rights of third parties, such as artists or artists' heirs holding the rights to these works. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions before copying, transmitting, or making other use of protected items beyond that allowed by "fair use," as such term is understood under the United States Copyright Act. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum respects the intellectual property rights of others. The John F. Kennedy Library may, in appropriate circumstances and at its discretion, remove, disable and/or terminate access to any material on or linked to or from this site that it suspects to be infringing upon a third party's intellectual property rights or other rights.

The Nativity

Artifact IDMO 63.313
Object Type Painting
Date 1918-1963
Date Presented2/5/1962
Gifter
Artist (Painter, Congolese, 1918-1999)
Place MadeDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
Place of GiftWashington, D.C., United States
Medium Oil on masonite
DimensionsOverall H 31 1/2 in x W 39 1/4 in (80 cm x 99.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionOil painting of the nativity with Jesus laying in the manger, Mary kneeling, and Joseph standing. Each of the figures have a yellow halo around their heads. The figures of Joseph, Mary and Jesus are portrayed as Africans. Yellow streak of paint through center of image implies the light from the star. The painting is executed in vibrant colors with a heavy impasto.
Historical NoteThis painting was presented to President Kennedy at the White House during the state visit of Cyrille Adoula, prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1961-1964), and Mrs. Adoula on February 5, 1962. Works by Congolese painter Louis Koyongonda (1918-1999?) are in the collections of the museum of the Rhode Island School of Design and the Grinnell College Museum of Art in Iowa.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
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 the user’s responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.
In Collection(s)
Not on view