Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Winston Churchill (Befriendus Leaselendus)
Artifact IDMO 2003.1.2
Object Type
Painting
Artist
Justin Murray
(American artist, 1912 - 1987)
Date1942
Mediumpaper (illustration board), paint (watercolor)
Dimensionsoverall H 19 7/8 in x W 15 in (50.5 cm x 38.1 cm )
Physical 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 are in the lower left: "© J. M. 1945."
Historical NoteThis 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
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Ulla Thomsen Murray in 2002.
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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view
