Description

Title: President Franklin D. Roosevelt Portrait Painting (1882-1945) Circa 1940's

Description: President Franklin D. Roosevelt Portrait Painting (1882-1945) Circa 1940's

Title ??Historical American President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) - Signed Mid-Century Watercolour Portrait Painting by Beatrice S. Bullock (1878-1953), Fully Inscribed Verso with Birmingham Address, Period Price and Exhibition History

Subject and Medium
An original circa early 1940's mid-20th century watercolour on paper portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, executed by British artist Beatrice S. Bullock.
A unique, hand-painted work capturing the likeness of one of America's most influential presidents at the height of his global recognition.

Composition and Technique ??
Roosevelt is presented in a composed three-quarter bust, turned slightly toward the viewer, creating an immediate yet dignified presence. His posture is upright but relaxed-suggesting confidence without stiffness, and authority without distance.
He is depicted wearing a dark formal suit jacket, crisp white shirt, and a patterned bow tie, an ensemble closely associated with his public image during the 1930s-40s. The inclusion of his pince-nez spectacles is particularly significant, reinforcing both the period accuracy and the instantly recognisable character of the sitter.
The artist captures Roosevelt's facial expression with notable sensitivity:
A gentle, controlled smile conveys reassurance and quiet optimism
The eyes, alert behind the spectacles, suggest intelligence and attentiveness
The overall expression balances warmth with authority-neither overly formal nor casual
This is not a distant or ceremonial likeness; rather, it presents Roosevelt as a calm, composed leader, approachable yet resolute.
Technically, the work is executed with transparent watercolour washes, allowing the paper's natural luminosity to model the face. The restrained palette and controlled brushwork are typical of mid-century British practice, favouring subtlety over theatrical effect.

Historical Context
This portrait was produced during Roosevelt's presidency (1933-1945), when his image held profound international significance. In Britain, Roosevelt was regarded as a central Allied figure alongside Winston Churchill. His leadership during World War II, particularly through economic and military cooperation, made him a widely recognised and respected presence.
This work reflects a transatlantic cultural response, demonstrating how Roosevelt's image extended beyond the United States into British artistic and social consciousness.

About the Sitter
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) remains one of the most transformative leaders in American history.
32nd President of the United States
The only president elected to four terms (1933-1945)
Architect of the New Deal, reshaping the American economy
Principal Allied leader during World War II
Known for his "fireside chats", creating a direct emotional connection with the public
Despite living with the effects of polio, Roosevelt projected strength, composure, and optimism-qualities clearly reflected in this portrait.
His attire here-the formal suit, bow tie, and spectacles-presents him as both statesman and intellectual, while his expression conveys a sense of calm reassurance that defined his leadership style. The portrait captures not just his likeness, but his public persona: steady, thoughtful, and quietly authoritative.

About the Artist
Beatrice S. Bullock (1878-1953) was a Birmingham-based artist active in the early-mid 20th century.
Resident of 14 Kingsleigh Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham (as inscribed on this work)
Known to have produced numerous watercolours
Recorded in Birmingham museum and archival sources
Donated work (Heathfield Hall, 1938) to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Exhibited locally, including at Park House, Handsworth Park
Associated with the Handsworth Historical Society, which held a body of her work after her death
Bullock represents a documented regional British artist, offering authenticity and historical context that increasingly appeals to collectors.

Signed
Signed with initials "BB" to the front.
Fully inscribed verso with the artist's name and complete Birmingham address, providing strong documentary support for attribution.

Framed ??
Presented in a traditional later gilt frame with double mount, enhancing the period character and ready for immediate display.

Size
Frame: 41.5 cm Height × 36 cm Width x 2 cm Depth
Visible image: 20 cm Height × 15 cm Width
A refined cabinet-sized portrait, ideal for study, library, or curated interior.

Provenance
By the Birmingham artist Mrs Beatrice S. Bullock (1878-1953), of 14 Kingsleigh Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, as inscribed verso.
The reverse bears the inscription "President Franklin Delano Roosevelt" alongside the artist's full name and address, providing direct evidence of both subject and authorship.
Further inscribed with pre-decimal notation "£10.0.0", consistent with mid-20th century pricing.
The artist's address is independently recorded in Birmingham archival sources.
Exhibited: Famous Lord Hill Museum, 4 April 2026
Curated by: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Likely retained within a Birmingham context prior to entering the secondary market.

Why You'll Love It
?? A period depiction of one of America's greatest presidents
?? Captures Roosevelt's distinctive character-calm, intelligent, and reassuring
?? Fully inscribed verso with artist's name and address - rare and highly desirable
?? A rare example of Roosevelt portrayed by a British contemporary artist
?? Strong historical and transatlantic significance
?? Combines political history with refined decorative appeal
?? Ideal for collectors of U.S. presidential, political, and WWII-era material
?? Ready-to-display, with timeless interior presence suitable for study or library

Condition Report
Good overall condition.
Watercolour remains clean and stable
Minor age-related toning consistent with period
Verso shows historic tape and handling marks
Frame and mount in good overall order having some chips losses to the corners, display-ready order

Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.

Reserve: $4,800.00

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Condition

Used

Buyer's Premium

20%