This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
The "Camelot" theme that pervaded the JFK years centered on the young president and his beautiful wife. Although the years have given rise to cynicism and revisionism about our leaders, the tragically shortened Kennedy era has only grown among the public in its fairy-tale quality, and that quality was captured perfectly by world-famous Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in this stunning portrait from that era. The photograph is mounted under glass and placed in a light beige recessed area, as are two typewritten notes, one signed by Jack and other signed by Jackie. The dreamlike, 13" x 17" photograph shows the First Couple dressed in blue, with a pensive JFK looking off to the side and Jackie looking straight ahead with a smile. Under the photo are the two 5 1/1" x 7" notes. JFK's, on White House stationery, is dated July 4, 1962 and addressed to Congresswoman Florence P. Dyer, offering birthday congratulations and "good health and spirits." His signature in black pen rates a near-perfect 10. Jackie's note on her personal stationery is dated January 29, 1965 and addressed to Congressman Michael Kirnan, thanking him for giving aid to the John F. Kennedy Library. Her signature is also in black pen and is near-perfect as well. There is a barely visible fold mark on each note. The photo and the notes are enclosed in a handsome dark brown wood frame that measures 28" x 36 ½". A poignant echo of the time when America had a royal couple of its own.