Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Unitus Andguidus)
Artifact IDMO 2003.1.1
Object Type
Painting
Artist
Justin Murray
(American artist, 1912 - 1987)
Date1942
Mediumpaper (illustration board), paint (watercolor)
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 are 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
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
