Franklin D. Roosevelt Plaque
Object numberMO 1941.5.35
Name
Casting
Date1933
Mediummetal (bronze)
Dimensionsoverall H 21 3/4 in x W 18 in (55.2 cm x 45.7 cm )
DescriptionA heavy bronze plaque featuring a bas-relief head and shoulders portrait of Franklin Roosevelt. Both his body and head are turned partially to the left of the plaque, and he is shown wearing a suit jacket, shirt, and tie. Flanking the portrait are decorative columns around which are entwined leafy vines. At the top of the plaque is a high relief eagle with outspread wings. Below the portrait is a raised inscription that reads: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / 32ND PRESIDENT OF USA / "I SHALL HOLD MY RUDDER TRUE" / SENECA. The artist's engraved name, the date, and a copyright symbol are in the lower right corner of the plaque: JOHN DE STEFANO "33" ©.
Label TextThis plaque of Franklin D. Roosevelt was designed by 19-year-old John DeStefano of Boston, Massachusetts. DeStafano, the son of a poor Italian tailor and one of seven children, showed extraordinary artistic talent and was awarded several scholarships by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. He was studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts when he designed the plaque.Money for the casting of the plaque in bronze was raised by former Boston mayors James M. Curley and John F. Fitzgerald and two local businessmen - Joseph A. Tomasello and Charles Pastene. The plaque was presented to President Roosevelt in 1934.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.Collections
No expuestos
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