Portrait of John F. Kennedy
Artifact IDMO 63.1071
Object Type
Mosaic
Date
1961
Maker
Abraham Greenhouse
(1889-1968)
Gifter
Abraham Greenhouse
Medium
Egg shell, thread on masonite
DimensionsOverall H 18 3/4 in x W 14 1/2 in (47.6 cm x 36.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionMosaic portrait on masonite of John F. Kennedy wearing a navy blue suit. Mosaic is made of broken and crushed eggshells dyed various colors. Brown, gray, and black thread is used to outline image and indicate his hair. Green house in the lower right corner represents the artist's name.
Historical NoteDuring his presidency John F. Kennedy received hundreds of images of himself created by members of the public. This particular portrait is among the more masterful pieces of folk art sent. Abraham Greenhouse (1889-1968) of Perth Amboy, New Jersey spent over 100 hours dying eggshells in various colors and shades, breaking and crushing them, then assembing the remains into a mosaic image of JFK. Greenhouse's choice of medium may have been inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Easter egg dying, known as pisanki, common in his native Poland.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was 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 Public (National Archives Identifier 1677327)
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
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