ALS, two pages both sides, 6 x 9.25, White House letterhead, March 7, 1962. Letter to Bernard Baruch, Jr., In part: “As perhaps you know—we are trying so hard to bring back the Presidential furniture and beautiful pictures to the White House. I heard that your father owned the Orpen portrait of Woodrow Wilson…He told me that it belonged to you. It would give us such pride and joy—and be so appreciated by the millions of people who come here each year—if you could possibly give that picture to the White House…to have the Orpen portrait would be a momentous thing. The portrait of President Wilson that is here now is not very good—He was so wonderful—you love to hang the picture in the most prominent place in the Red Room—and it makes me sad every time I look at it—that there is not a better picture of that great man…Please forgive me writing you like this—It is hard to write to people and ask them to part with things they love—I hate to do it and I think sometimes that I am getting too much of a one track mind about filling the White House with all the noble things it should have…If you cannot part with such a treasure—of course I will understand.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Kennedy’s hand, and signed on the reverse, “Mrs. Kennedy.” In 1919, shortly after the end of the First World War, President Wilson traveled to France to participate in the Paris Peace Conference. He also had his portrait painted by the Irish artist Sir William Orpen, one of Britain’s official war painters. It appears Mrs. Kennedy was successful, as Wilson’s portrait now hangs in the White House, gifted by Baruch, Jr., in memory of his father. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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