Impressively rare and detailed original pencil artwork of President Roosevelt smiling, drawn by an accomplished artist, FDR’s secretary Mabel Williams, signed and inscribed in the lower right in pencil by Roosevelt as president, “For Mabel Williams, from Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Also signed and dated in the lower left by the artist, “Mabel E. Williams, December, 1936.” In very fine condition. Handsomely and archivally double-suede-matted and framed to an overall size of 18.75 x 21.5. Accompanied by much fascinating correspondence between Amyx and Williams, with one letter from Williams actually describing the sketch, in part: “I am giving you the original photograph from which I made the drawing. Also enclosed is one of the clippings showing me holding the drawing at my desk in the White House. That was published in the Washington Daily News on Jan. 1, 1937…It does identify the picture as the ‘Smilin’ Thru’ photograph which was ‘distributed’ by the Daily News on Thanksgiving Day, 1936…As I remember the ‘Smilin’ Thru’ photograph received a lot of attention when it was first published because it was such a wonderful likeness.” The original newspaper clipping referenced, as well as the photograph distributed by the Washington Daily News, are included as well. Also accompanied by the original shorthand notes that Ms. Williams took during the announcement of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This outstanding original piece of artwork captures FDR perfectly and demonstrates exquisite artistic skill. That it was actually drawn by his White House secretary and subsequently inscribed to her provides superlative provenance and a fine historical background for this quintessential one-of-a-kind piece, with superior display potential.
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