Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Eleanor Roosevelt (Gratious Migratious)
Artifact IDMO 2003.1.5
Object Type
Painting
Artist
Justin Murray
(American artist, 1912 - 1987)
Date1943
Mediumpaper (illustration board), paint (watercolor)
Dimensionsoverall H 21 1/2 in x W 16 1/2 in (54.6 cm x 41.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn original watercolor caricature depicting Eleanor Roosevelt as a mallard duck. Mrs. Roosevelt’s head is shown on the body of a gray, white, and brown duck flying just above open water. She is wearing a hat, fur stole, and pearls. The caricature is signed by the artist in the lower left: "Justin Murray-'43." 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:Eleanor Roosevelt (Gratious Migratious). Range: High, wide, and London (all this and Heaven too). Habitat: Lanes, trains, planes, etc., etc., etc. Identification: She flits through the air with the greatest of ease (an amiable bird, ever seeking to please). Voice: Columns and columns of twittering. Food: Snacks, taken on the wing.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)
Not on view
