Framed Photograph of the 14th Dalai Lama
Artifact IDMO 1944.1.8
Object Type
Print, Photographic
Maker
Unknown
Dateca. 1943
Mediumphotograph: paper, ink
frame: wood, paint, glass
frame: wood, paint, glass
Dimensionsoverall H 20 3/8 in x W 16 3/8 in x D 1 in (51.8 cm x 41.6 cm x 2.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA black and white photographic portrait of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, as a young child. The photograph is in a cream-colored mat with a gold inner border. Handwritten on the mat below the photograph is a Tibetan inscription in black that identifies the sitter as the 14th Incarnation of the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, followed by a red personal seal.
The photograph is framed in a red-painted wood frame that has an ornately hand carved gold border with painted accents.
Historical NoteIn 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt sent Lieutenant Colonel Ilia Tolstoy (a grandson of the famous Russian novelist) of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) on a goodwill mission to Tibet as his personal envoy to the Dalai Lama. Tolstoy brought along gifts from the United States government, including a gold watch and an autographed photograph of President Roosevelt. In response, the seven-year-old Dalai Lama sent a February 24, 1943 letter thanking the President and enclosing several gifts, one of which was this framed photo of himself.The photograph is framed in a red-painted wood frame that has an ornately hand carved gold border with painted accents.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt June 26, 1943. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library 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)
Exhibitions
On view
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