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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Image under copyri…
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Image under copyright: © Justin Murray.
Winston Churchill (Befriendus Leaselendus)
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Image under copyri…
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Image under copyright: © Justin Murray.

Winston Churchill (Befriendus Leaselendus)

Object numberMO 2003.1.2
Name Painting
Artist (American, 1912 - 1987)
Date1942
Mediumwatercolor on illustration board
Dimensionsoverall H 19 7/8 in x W 15 in (50.5 cm x 38.1 cm )
DescriptionAn original watercolor caricature depicting Winston Churchill as a penguin. Churchill's head is shown on the body of a black and white penguin sitting on a rock in the middle of a body of water. Churchill's trademark hat and cigar are shown. The caricature is signed by the artist in the lower right: Justin Murray-42. An additional signature and date is in the lower left © J. M. 1945.
Label TextThis caricature is one in a series of 14 watercolors (most with accompanying verses) titled Birds of Our Times. Created during World War II by artist and caricaturist Justin Murray, they depict prominent figures of the war years. The verse for this caricature reads:

Winston Churchill (Befriendus Leaselendus) Range: The sun never sets,--as we all jolly well know. Habitat: A downy little nest (Number 10, to be specific). Identification: Crown of head sports a tall, dark growth, looks remotely like a hat. Recent discoloration due to greece. Voice: A well-prepared song, heard practically every other Sunday. Food: Perpetually carrying a stump in its mouth, seems well satisfied.

Additional Details
Credit LineGift of Ulla Thomsen Murray
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPrints and Paintings (National Archives Identifier 778817)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyCopyright© Justin Murray / 1945. Copyright and other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.
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