"John F. Kennedy" by Felix de Weldon (1907-2003), bronze, signed Felix de Weldon and dated 1963, 16 x 9 x 11 inches (25 x 9 x 11 inches with granite base). *Note: In early 1963, Mr. Felix de Weldon was commissioned by John F. Kennedy's military aides to produce the sculptural portrait of President Kennedy that ultimately became a key featured item in the Kennedy Library. In the spring of 1963 de Weldon began his work. President Kennedy posed for de Weldon twice at the White House. The work was nearing completion when the tragic events of November 1963 occurred. The nearly finished sculpture was removed to de Weldon's studio where the artist was encouraged to complete the effort. From the original clay bust only (4) bronze castings were produced before the mold was destroyed. These castings were given to Mrs. John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Library and to the Kennedy Space Center, the fourth casting (this lot) was retained by the artist and passed by direct descent to the consignor. Mrs. John F. Kennedy's casting resided in President Johnson's cabinet room from November 1964 through January 1969 and was given to the Kennedy Library (#MO 69.26) at a time shortly before Richard Nixon took the Oval Office. The de Weldon bust of Kennedy was regarded by Dave Powers, Special Assistant to President Kennedy as his favorite work of art of the entire Kennedy family. Felix de Weldon is probably best known as the creator of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial depicting the historic raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

Good unless otherwise stated in description