Lot 66
[Johnson, Lyndon B.] Original Penciled Sketch of Robert F. Kennedy. Rare, highly-desirable penciled depiction by LBJ of his political nemesis, Robert F. Kennedy. Etched on his United States Senate Memorandum letterhead, 9½ x 5¼", in early 1960, Johnson highlighted the printed words "United States Senate" and "Memorandum" and placed six "X's" between them. He then drew a crude portrayal of Bobby Kennedy with shark-like teeth and rickety legs, adding the initials "B K" at lower left. The pages and video documentation of American history is inundated with journals of how RFK and LBJ despised one another. Only John F. Kennedy's cool reassurance to his brother Bobby of how his choice of Lyndon Johnson for the vice presidency from the important electoral vote state of Texas, and his age in the prospect of becoming the youngest elected president in history, would convince RFK that no hindrance was involved in the selection. Of course, who then could predict that JFK would be assassinated in 1963 and, in 1968, that the same fate would befall Bobby?
This historically-choice piece is in fine condition from the files of Congressman Michael J. Kirwan (1886-1970) of Ohio, who was closely associated with both JFK and LBJ. This sketch was given to presidential historian John Burke Jovich, Congressman Kirwan's neighbor and protégé, by his widow, Alice Kirwan, during his teenage years. Jovich is currently writing a comprehensive biography about the influential legislator, tentatively titled "Iron Mike" Kirwan: The Capstone of Congressional Power. Estimate Value $3,500 - UP
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| Realized $2,875 |
