Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Image under copyright: © Justin Murray.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Unitus Andguidus)
Artifact IDMO 2003.1.1
Object Type
Painting
Artist
Justin Murray
(American, 1912 - 1987)
Date1942
Mediumwatercolor on illustration board
Dimensionsoverall H 16 in x W 21 in (40.6 cm x 53.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn original watercolor caricature depicting Franklin D. Roosevelt as a duck. FDR's head is shown on the body of a black and white duck swimming through water. FDR's trademark hat, pince-nez, and cigarette holder are all shown. The caricature is signed by the artist in the lower left: Justin Murray-'42. An additional signature and date is in the lower right: © 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:
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Unitus Andguidus). Range: In or near water, sometimes as far as mid-Atlantic, sometimes farther. Habitat: On the radio, by your fireside. Identification: If you can see him through that mob in his office, you’re a better bird than I. Voice: A familiar, “My friends.’ Food: Nazis, Fascists, Republicans, etc. Relishes particularly third and fourth termites. This bird was one of the finest of our feathered friends.
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 - Fully
Copyright© 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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
