Framed Photograph of Haile Selassie I
Artifact IDMO 2007.541
Object Type
Print, Photographic
Photographer
B. M. Boyadjian
(Photography Studio)
Date1930
Mediumphotograph: paper (photographic)
frame: metal, glass, leather
case: leather, fabric, metal
frame: metal, glass, leather
case: leather, fabric, metal
Dimensionsframe H 17 3/4 in x W 10 1/8 in x D 5/8 in (45.1 cm x 25.7 cm x 1.6 cm )
box/case H 2 1/2 in x W 12 1/2 in x D 19 3/4 in (6.4 cm x 31.8 cm x 50.2 cm )
box/case H 2 1/2 in x W 12 1/2 in x D 19 3/4 in (6.4 cm x 31.8 cm x 50.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA black and white photographic portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia dressed in an elaborately decorated robe and wearing a crown. The Emperor’s original signature in blue ink is below the portrait. On the reverse of the photograph, in the lower right, is the photographer’s information: "B.M. BOYADJIAN / Photographe / De la Cour-Imperiale d'Ethiopie."
The photograph is glazed and framed within a silver frame with an intricate gold-colored metal overlay featuring a floral, vine, and leaf design. The reverse of the frame has an easel backer.
The framed photograph comes with a custom brown leather storage box with the Emperor’s initials, “H. S.” and the Lion of Judah embossed in gold on the cover.
Historical NoteIn 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia and drove Emperor Haile Selassie (1892-1975) into exile. Allied armies liberated Ethiopia in 1941, allowing Selassie to return to his native country. In this letter, he thanks FDR for a photo the President sent to mark the third anniversary of his return. The Emperor forwarded this autographed photograph of himself with his letter. In February 1945, he and FDR would meet face-to-face for the only time in Egypt, where the President stopped during his return trip from the Yalta Conference.The photograph is glazed and framed within a silver frame with an intricate gold-colored metal overlay featuring a floral, vine, and leaf design. The reverse of the frame has an easel backer.
The framed photograph comes with a custom brown leather storage box with the Emperor’s initials, “H. S.” and the Lion of Judah embossed in gold on the cover.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPortraits (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of 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. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
On view