Lot #118

[John F. Kennedy] Robert F. Morey Original Painting - Originally Sold in 1971 to Benefit the John F. Kennedy Library, Purchased by JFK's Cousin Ann Gargan

Description

Vibrant original painting of an impressionistic field of flowers with white daisies at the center by Robert F. Morey, accomplished in oil on 30 x 25 stretched artist's canvas, signed in the lower right in red paint, "R. F. Morey." Framed to an overall size of 32 x 27. In fine condition.

Robert Morey first met John F. Kennedy in Boston in 1946, when Kennedy was campaigning for Congress, beginning a friendship that continued through his presidency. An accomplished artist with a particular affection for New England landscapes, Morey often accompanied Kennedy on motor trips through the countryside, where he gathered subjects for future paintings, and the two occasionally painted together during Kennedy’s recuperation from back surgery and later on Cape Cod.

In 1971, Morey contributed some 45 paintings to an exhibition at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, joining works by JFK, Edward M. Kennedy, and other members of the Kennedy circle; five of Morey’s paintings were offered in the accompanying silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the planned John F. Kennedy Library. Accompanied by an original exhibition catalog, which describes the painting as "Blossom Cascade, 25˝ x 30˝, floral with center daisies, 1970." Includes an invoice from auctioneer Richard A. Bourne Co. in the amount of $1,300, for Morey's 'Fleurs Roses' painting "purchased at the auction conducted for the benefit of the John F. Kennedy at the Institute of Contemporary Art on May 23, 1971," plus a 1971 letter to Ann Gargan from the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, confirming receipt of her check for the auction purchase.

Also includes two TLSs by Ted Kennedy to Ann Gargan about the exhibition and auction:

- TLS signed "Ted," United States Senate letterhead, May 3, 1971, in part: "Joan and I are very excited about plans for an art auction and reception later this month…Bob Morey, a very dear friend who was one of President Kennedy's earliest and most valued supporters, is an excellent artist and he will be opening his first one-man show in Boston on May 23rd. Bob has very generously offered to auction off his paintings, donating all proceeds to the John F. Kennedy Library. For the first time, we will also show several paintings by President Kennedy. In fact, three of my own works will be on display, and I've been persuaded to auction off one of them. I hope its sale will bring in enough to supply the Library with paper cups in the future!"

- TLS signed "Ted, Thanks Ann—it was good to see you," United States Senate letterhead, May 25, 1971, in part: "Just a note to tell you how delighted Joan and I were to have you and Tom King join us Sunday for the Bob Morey art auction and reception. I'm sure you will agree that this was a memorable—and most successful—event, and I'm so glad you purchased one of Bob's paintings."

From the estate of Ann Gargan King.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring John F. Kennedy
• Dates:
  Starts:

  10/15/2026
  Ends:

  11/11/2026